HAMK Mentoring programme with the city of Riihimäki Concludes with valuable career Insights and Lasting Connections
The HAMK Mentoring Programme, organised by HAMK Career Services in cooperation with the City of Riihimäki, concluded with a warm and grateful atmosphere during its online closing event. HAMK’s international students expressed heartfelt appreciation for the mentors’ guidance and support.
“Supporting international students in their career development is essential, particularly by helping them connect and network with local professionals. Our students shared that this short programme gave them hope and strengthened their ability to cope with uncertainty—an invaluable outcome. We are grateful to the professionals in the City of Riihimäki who participated and contributed to the meaningful insights our students gained along this learning path.” -Kati Heikkinen, Head of International Affairs at HAMK.
Throughout the programme, students gained practical insights into Finnish work culture and workplaces, including networking, communication, and workplace expectations.
One student reflected in the anonymus feedback survey: “This programme not only connects me with professionals from work life, but also other students from HAMK. Mentors shared their personal stories, which inspired me, gave me new perspectives and helped me prepared for uncertainties in my own career development.”
Mentors also highlighted the initiative’s value: “The mentoring programme created supportive atmosphere and made learning, sharing experience and networking easier. The best part was to see how all the participants have grown and gained confidence to move forward in their own path.”
Although some students and mentors had to leave the programme due to distance, schedules, or other factors, the experience remained personal and engaging.
While HAMK Career Services planned the programme in a professional and structured way, the strong sense of community among participants added an unexpected but very positive dimension.
Since the mentoring sessions needed to take part in Riihimäki city, the students, and somewhat also the mentors, were able to connect beyond work-related topics through carpooling, shared activities, and informal discussions. These moments created opportunities to build personal relationships and explore topics such as workplace culture and professional freedom, enriching the overall experience in ways that went beyond the formal programme.
The programme demonstrates the value of collaboration between HAMK and the important stakeholders like the City of Riihimäki.
The mentoring programme also offers a valuable opportunity for regional stakeholders to partner with HAMK and gain insights into international students’ perspectives. For students, it serves as a reminder that meaningful learning also happens outside the classroom: networking, mentorship, and exposure to Finnish workplace culture all contribute to long-term career growth. The programme delivers significant professional benefits, and the students earned 1 ECTS credit and received travel compensation, making the experience both practical and enriching.
How to take part in a Mentoring Programme
At the momment HAMK Career Services is receiving applications for the next programme: HAMK’s alumni mentoring 2026
If you are an active HAMK student, complete the online application by December 31, 2025. Selected students will be contacted before the Kickstart event.
For more Information contact:
