The first pilot phase of the IMIB network, which promotes the employment of foreign professionals in Finland, began last May. The feedback received from the pilot phase has been very positive, raising expectations for the actual operational periods starting in the fall.
The first pilot phase of the IMIB network, aimed at enhancing the employment of foreign professionals in Finland, began last May. During this pilot phase, three international students from the Helsinki metropolitan area are given the opportunity to explore the Finnish business environment through a project initiated by Bluet, a pioneer in floating construction.
Throughout the one-month pilot, the company gets to know these international students, while the students have the chance to showcase their skills to a potential employer. This initiative is supported by the IMIB training team, comprised of Haaga-Helia, Laurea, and Metropolia Universities of Applied Sciences (3AMK).
The pilot phase is structured around the project, workshops, and coaching sessions. Students engage in one-on-one discussions with their coaches to identify their personal strengths and career aspirations.
Mia Blanc, a project specialist at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, reports that the feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive, raising her expectations for the main operational periods set to begin in the fall.
– According to the pilot company, our student group has conducted thorough analyses and investigations, despite their unfamiliarity with the field. The students, in turn, have found the project to be an engaging and educational experience, she notes.
The workshops organized by the training team have also received praise for their practical approach. In these sessions, students have learned about Finnish workplace practices, developed teamwork and self-management skills, and gained valuable tools for advancing their job search, such as in CV and LinkedIn workshops.
During its pilot phase, IMIB has strived for smooth operations and has learned extensively about effective communication. For example, clearly defining the company’s assignment is crucial for efficient task division among students. Additionally, the training team’s active monitoring can help ensure that progress continues without unnecessary interruptions.
Blanc believes that the pilot phase has been beneficial for both the company and the students. Bluet has already expressed interest in continuing the successful collaboration in the future.
– Bluet has gained valuable and fresh insights from our international students. For our students, the shared experiences, new contacts, and practical business tips are invaluable, she reflects.
The IMIB network’s official operational periods, each lasting one semester, will begin in September 2024. If you are interested in the network’s activities, please do not hesitate to reach out via the forms available on our website.
The Immigrants as Mentors for Internationalizing Businesses (IMIB) program, launched in January, promotes the employment of students with immigrant backgrounds and SIMHE clients by providing training and connecting them with Finnish companies.
Through the IMIB network, comprising coaches, students, and local companies, students can showcase their skills by addressing work-related and business challenges. For companies, the IMIB network offers a low-threshold introduction to potential employees.
The IMIB program is coordinated by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and runs from January 1, 2024, to May 31, 2026. The program's co-implementers are Laurea and Metropolia Universities of Applied Sciences (3AMK), and it is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF+).
