International Talents´ Mentoring Programme
Tampere University organizes an annual mentoring programme for international degree students. The mentoring programme supports students' professional development, helps them build networks, and enables them to share their international experiences with local professionals.
The International Talents’ mentoring programme is designed for international degree students at Tampere University who would like to stay in Finland and continue their careers here after graduation.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a process where experienced professionals share their knowledge, insights, and career advice with students who are just starting out. Mentors and mentees in our programme meet 3-5 times during the spring, and also participate in group sessions and other activities.
Both mentors and mentees join the programme voluntarily and without financial compensation.
Who are the Mentors?
Mentors are Finnish and international professionals living in Finland, with work experience in the country. They come from a variety of fields and are enthusiastic about supporting international talents as they enter the Finnish job market and build their careers here.
Who can apply as a Mentee?
You can apply if:
- You are an international degree student at Tampere University, and
- You expect to graduate in 2025 or 2026
Please note:
- If you are still in your first year, we recommend applying next year.
- If you are a PhD student, please check out our other programme: Mentoring Programme for Early Career Researchers
Programme Timeline – 2026 Edition
September – October 2025
- Mentee applications: 15.9.–15.10.2025
- Mentor applications: 1.10.–31.10.2025
November – December 2025
- Selection and matching
- Selected participants contacted in December
January – April 2026
- Kick-off event: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 17:00–19:00 (in person & mandatory)
- Wrap-up event: Thursday 23 April 2026, 17:00–19:00 (in person & mandatory)
- 3–5 meetings between mentoring pairs (independently scheduled)
- Optional events: Spring social gathering, company visits, and more!
Mentee: Why join and what it takes
Gain valuable support and experience:
- Learn from an experienced professional
- Get support with job hunting and career planning
- Build new networks and contacts
- Improve your intercultural communication skills
- Boost your professional confidence
- Reflect on your career goals and strengths
What we expect from you:
- Commit to participating in the mandatory live sessions (Kick-off and Wrap-up)
- Be located in Tampere or able to travel to Tampere during the programme
- Be active and engaged in the mentoring process
- Communicate regularly with your mentor and take initiative in scheduling meetings
- Approach the programme with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn
Applications for the 2026 edition of the programme are closed. The next round of applications will open in the Autumn 2026.
Information for staff members
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a mentor, please visit the mentor info page.
Any questions
If you have questions about the programme, contact us at careerservices.tau [at] tuni.fi (careerservices[dot]tau[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Yuritzi Becerra Zamora, programme coordinator
Mariska Roelofs-Poelman, programme facilitator