University of Turku mentoring programme connects master's degree students and alumni

This was the 23rd time that the mentoring programme was organised for master's degree students at the University of Turku, and the third time it was also offered in English.

A total of 130 mentoring pairs participated in the spring 2025 mentoring programme. Once again, the number of participants was a record high.

“As the organisers of the programme, we are pleased that, based on the feedback we have received, the programme has once again proven rewarding for both students and mentors," says Coordinator Hannele Keuru.

The mentoring programme prepares master's degree students for professional life by providing them with a carefully selected and experienced mentor. Most of the mentors are alumni of the University of Turku.

“Mentoring is a popular way for alumni and other friends of the University to get involved by offering their time and expertise to support students. Students will gain tacit knowledge of their field from the mentors, which they can use in their transition to professional life.”

Experiences of mentoring pairs: New friendships and concrete tips

At the closing event in Medisicina, mentors and students who participated in the mentoring programme shared their experiences of the programme. Eveliina Vigelius, Head of Public Affairs and Partner at Terveystalo, who acted as a mentor in the Finnish-language programme, said that the best thing about the mentoring programme was definitely her mentee Eeva Pasanen. They intend to continue to keep in touch after the programme ends. This is particularly pleasing for Pasanen, as one of her goals was to get a mentor who would remain a support in her professional life.

Other wishes Pasanen had set for the mentoring programme had also been fulfilled. According to her, the mentoring had been very useful.

“In addition to good discussions, I have received many concrete tips. This has been a very holistic experience.”

Pasanen's mentor Eveliina Vigelius encouraged the students in her speech by saying that participation in such a programme already shows the qualities that will help them succeed in professional life.

“In professional life, qualities are more important than skills because skills can be acquired in the workplace," says Vigelius.

Elina Pelto, University Lecturer in International Business, who was a mentor in the English-language programme, said that the mentoring experience provided a refreshing opportunity to reflect on her own career journey. In the mentoring programme, the mentoring pairs discuss professional life, careers, and the labour market. Occasionally, the meetings also include discussions about life beyond these topics.

Elina and her mentor, Paras Saleem, realised early on that they had much more in common than just an interest in the same field. In addition, they both live in the same area, which made it possible to meet face to face. Although Pelto says that as a mentor she sometimes felt inadequate when there were only her own experiences to share, Saleem feels that she received a great deal of help and encouragement from her mentor.

“Our meetings have been very energising, and I have received a lot of encouragement from Elina,” says Paras Saleem.

Coordinators delighted with successful programme

Anna Lagerroos, the career development expert coordinating the Finnish-language mentoring programme, was touched to hear about the good experiences of the mentoring pairs. From the coordinator's point of view, it is most rewarding to get positive feedback on successful mentoring pairings at the end of the programme.

The biggest task in the mentoring programme is pairing mentors and mentees. Mentoring pairs are formed so that the needs and wishes of the students are taken into account as extensively as possible. A lot of time and thought goes into this, but not in vain, as success in forming the pairs can even lead to long-term friendships.

“For us, it is particularly important that our mentees receive support from their mentors for their own career plans, which may be very different from those of their fellow students," says Lagerroos.

According to Hannele Keuru, the coordinator of the English-language mentoring programme, the aim of the programme is to help international students build a meaningful career in Finland or abroad. The mentoring programme provides a lot of valuable information about the labour market and culture, and possibly the first local career contacts in Finland.

“The English-language mentoring programme is also enriched by the participants’ diverse cultural backgrounds and the mutual learning they inspire," says Keuru. 

Text and photos: Hannele Keuru