New ideas and perspectives on finding your career path in Tampere

Mentoring for expatriate spouses in Tampere Region

The Mentoring Programme for Hidden Gems spouses started in October when 13 mentors and 13 mentees met online and started their journey together. Each mentor was matched with a mentee for a period of four months. During winter 2020-21 the pairs will meet 3-5 times. They will also participate facilitated group meetings with other mentors and mentees in support of the mentoring process.

Mentoring a two-way process

Mentoring is a process whereby experienced local professionals share their insights and advice to aspiring talents at the beginning of their careers in Tampere. It is a two-way relationship that benefits both the mentor and the mentee.

For the mentor it is an opportunity to improve his/her coaching skills and intercultural communication skills. Mentoring also provides access to new professional contacts and international talents.

For the mentee it offers an opportunity to discuss re-starting his/her career with a local professional. The mentee will also get new connections. Finland can be challenging to get started with your professional life as an international, especially if you are left without resources. Connecting with an experienced professional can be a big help.

Mentoring meetings in winter 2020-21

By now most of the mentoring pairs have already had the chance to meet 1-2 times. Pairs have discussed topics such as Finnish working culture, professional networks and international experiences. More lively conversations are to follow.

We wish a good mentoring experience to all our mentors and mentees!

Mentoring Programme as part of the Hidden Gems initiative

Mentoring Programme for Hidden Gems spouses is aimed for expatriate spouses living in Tampere region and run as part of the Hidden Gems initiative. It aims to facilitate the employment and full integration of expatriate spouses into the Finnish society, and it provides an extensive set of relocation services to connect, discover and reach individuals’ full potential in the Finnish society. One of the services and activities provided in academic year 2020-21 is the Mentoring Programme.

Hidden Gems spouses come from different countries and career backgrounds, and they wish to pursue their own career in the Tampere region. The Mentoring programme offers opportunities to discuss their professional development and career aspirations with local professionals.

Read more about Mentoring in Tampere Universities

Hidden Gems is an initiative by the Tampere Universities community. Initially it supported the spouses of international researchers. Recently the activities have been opened to spouses, whose partners work in the private sector, too. Over the years the Hidden Gems initiative has piloted a variety of activities, which aim to facilitate the employment and full integration of expatriate spouses into the Finnish society. In year 2021 a spouse programme and a mentoring programme are among the activities offered.