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When Carolina* first arrived in Finland, she faced a world of uncertainties. “Coming to Finland marked a new chapter in both my personal and professional life,” she recalls. “I was living in a refugee shelter, searching for opportunities to adapt to my new environment and develop the skills necessary to succeed.” Despite her impressive academic and professional background, starting over in a new country and navigating a foreign job market was daunting.
Carolina brought with her a wealth of experience, having spent several years as a project manager at an international law firm, alongside over a decade of volunteer work in Nicaragua focused on environmental sustainability and feminist causes, including sexual and reproductive rights. Still, the transition wasn’t easy. “Coming from a so-called ‘third-world’ country, despite having a bachelor’s in industrial engineering and an MBA, I found myself questioning my professional path here,” she says.
Carolina’s journey took an optimistic turn when she joined a network for women in tech and was introduced to Kiron, which she now describes as “an incredible lifeline” since arriving in Europe. Most recently, Carolina completed the Kiron Mentoring Program, which she credits for significantly impacting her professional development.
“The mentorship program helped me improve my skills for the Finnish labor market. It allowed me to receive valuable feedback on both my CV and cover letter, helping me refine them for job applications in Finland,” she explains. “I also significantly improved my LinkedIn profile and expanded my professional network by connecting with recruiters.”
Beyond these technical improvements, Carolina’s experience at Kiron provided invaluable reassurance and encouragement in navigating her new life in Finland. “The program served as a great source of motivation throughout these months, helping me set and achieve my goals,” she says. “My mentor, Juhi, also provided expertise and guidance that boosted my confidence, reminding me that I can thrive in this new environment. The guidance and expertise of my mentor were essential, giving me confidence and someone to share my frustrations with as I navigate a new and unfamiliar labor market.”
Through continued learning and resilience, Carolina is building a new future. Just this year, she passed the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam after studying English through Kiron. “This has been a major step toward applying for university programs, and I see it as a big milestone in my educational and personal journey,” she says.
Carolina continues to take advantage of further learning opportunities through Kiron, diving into topics like project management, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. Currently, she is focused on integration in Finland, learning the Finnish language, and continuing to develop her skills while balancing time with her hobbies and personal projects. “One of my favorite routines is going for daily walks by the lake near my home, which gives me time to reflect and recharge,” she shares. “Migration is a key topic in my life as I adjust to my new surroundings.”
Her outlook has evolved significantly since her initial arrival in the country. “Although I haven’t worked in Finland yet, my experiences and ongoing learning have helped me develop a well-rounded skill set. I believe my experiences will complement future roles I take on here.”
For Carolina, Kiron has offered more than just education. It has created a sense of belonging. “Kiron has not only helped me develop essential skills, but also provided a sense of community and connection,” she says. “It’s helped me feel less alone on this journey.”
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*Editor's note: Carolina's name and photo have been changed for privacy reasons.
