Building career and networks – alumni event brought together the international professionals from five UAS’
The first Build Your Network, Build Your Career alumni event, organized collaboratively by five universities of applied sciences, gathered about 120 international alumni to network and gain career insights on 7 November at Helsinki City Hall.
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The event, hosted jointly by Arcada, Diakonia University of Applied Sciences, Haaga-Helia, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, and Metropolia, aimed to support international graduates in their employment, career planning, and networking. Organized in partnership with the City of Helsinki, the event brought together graduates from English-language degree programs to hear inspiring speakers and learn about various employment and career development services.
Tools for recognising competences
A successful health care entrepreneur and Metropolia alumna, Fadumo Ali, emphasized one’s background as a valuable resource.
– Each of us brings something unique to the world, shaped by our experiences, culture, and even our struggles. In time, I’ve learned that it’s our differences that create the value. Embrace your background and draw strength from your experiences, she said.
A coach and facilitator Anne Liljestrand provided in her speech practical tips for articulating one’s skills and crafting an elevator pitch. She also held a workshop on the topic at the event. Practice articulating your skills, and don’t downplay your abilities, she emphasized.
– Even if you haven’t done the exact same job before, you may have done similar tasks in a different setting, she reminded.
The elevator pitch is a great exercise for articulating your skills.
– An effective elevator pitch should cover four points: who you are, what your unique skills are, what you’ve achieved with those skills, and what your next goal is.
Event well-received by the alumni
After the speeches, alumni had the chance to explore pop-up stands offering career support and advice. The stands featured information from Kielibuusti, Arcada Career Services, the SIMHE project, Uusimaa TE Services, Helsinki Adult Education Center, Startup Refugees network, and the City of Helsinki.
Build Your Network, Build Your Career was held for the first time, but the demand among alumni appears strong and the event was well-received by the attendees.
– I really appreciate the care with which the event was put together. The networking challenge was refreshing and over all I had a really nice evening with like-minded people. I also think it was an excellent idea to group the UAS' together, because I also got to meet graduates from the other schools and disciplines, says Zama Ferin, an alumna from Haaga-Helia who attended the event.