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Last month, 20 learners from around the world celebrated completing the Kiron Mentoring Program. An online ceremony brought together participants, program alumni, and mentors to honor achievements, share inspiring stories, and build lasting connections.
In partnership with TE Connectivity, the program supports refugees and migrants in navigating foreign job markets and workplace cultures. Over the course of ten weeks, participants meet one-on-one with TE Connectivity professionals in fields such as engineering, finance, and data analysis. These sessions offer insights into job hunting, local industries, and professional growth – helping mentees build confidence, skills, and networks. This year, two participants were also selected for internships at TE Connectivity offices in their countries of residence, recognizing their exceptional commitment and growth.
The learners’ stories below reflect a range of backgrounds, ambitions, and challenges, illustrating how mentorship can transform careers and lives.
When Nurul moved to Germany in 2023, she wasn’t sure how to rebuild her career. Having left Malaysia with her son, she first focused on being a mother and learning the German language. With a background in accounting and finance, Nurul now feels ready to re-enter the job market with renewed confidence. “The Kiron Mentoring Program was very helpful and beneficial for me,” she says. “My mentor gave me many tips for job hunting and building a network, and she helped me improve my resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews!”
Exploring a shift into data analytics, Nurul found her mentor’s guidance crucial. “I am really grateful that I got to be her mentee,” she says. “I hope I can be a data analyst like her and get my first job here in Germany."
Hasan* and Ali*, both refugees from Türkiye with engineering backgrounds, came to the program with strong academic credentials. Hasan had been pursuing a PhD when he had to flee. “My family and I were forced to leave the country and start our lives over from scratch,” he says.
For both men, mentors who understood their professional field made a huge difference. "Thanks to the Kiron Mentoring Program, I had regular one-on-one meetings with successful individuals in my field,” says Hasan.
“Having a mentor from my own professional field provided me with exceptional support,” adds Ali. “My mentor’s firsthand experience and guidance were invaluable during my job search, offering me clear direction and practical insights."
What stood out most to Hasan was how the mentorship helped rebuild his self-confidence after displacement. “The mentorship has been very helpful for me, especially in finding a job.” Now, Hasan works as a a senior manager at a German company.
For Ali, the program also provided emotional support during a difficult time. “Being a part of the Kiron community has provided me with valuable psychological support in rebuilding my life, enabling me to feel encouraged and motivated along the way,” he says.
For Tiya, a finance professional from India, the mentoring program marked a turning point in her career journey. Beyond practical guidance, the mentorship provided reassurance and community. “It felt like someone was there to look after you – that you are not alone.” Tiya continues to develop her skills daily, aiming to work in asset management.
As a Sudanese refugee living in Indonesia, Asim faced unique barriers to education and employment. Refugees in Indonesia are not permitted to work or attend higher education institutions, but through Kiron, he found a path forward. “Before Kiron, I was stuck,” he says. “The Kiron Mentoring Program provided me with life-changing opportunities, linking me with experts who taught me how to search for work abroad or remotely.” The program helped expand his horizons. “My mentor taught me how to access opportunities that were previously out of reach,” he says. “Kiron helped me a lot through my displacement journey. This mentoring program is one of the gifts that Kiron gave me.”
“Back in Ukraine, I worked as an architect with a Master's degree in the field,” says Kseniia, who fled her home when war broke out in 2022. Since relocating to Germany, she has been learning the language, volunteering, freelancing, and exploring a new passion for data analytics. “Kiron has now become an essential partner in helping me develop skills in this exciting new direction,” she shares. "The Kiron Mentoring Program has been a truly transformative experience for me. With my mentor's guidance, I developed the confidence and clarity I needed to move forward on my path.”
Kseniia’s experience reflects the wider impact of the program: mentorship that builds connection and opens doors. Looking ahead, a sense of shared hope and encouragement runs through the cohort. Reflecting on her journey, Kseniia adds, “Kiron's community is genuinely warm and supportive. The people truly want to see you succeed.” Speaking to future participants, she says, “Be patient with yourself and don't hesitate to connect with others. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from the encouragement and kindness I found here.”
Learn more and sign up for the next round of Kiron Mentoring!
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our learners.
