Published on 17.3.2026 / Julkaistu 17.3.2026

Employment is often viewed as a concrete end goal: necessary for practical and financial reasons. However, for many international jobseekers, it is also deeply connected to identity, belonging, and wellbeing. The November Career Focus course was developed in response to a need we repeatedly observed in our client work: highly educated international jobseekers often lacked accessible and tailored employment support services, particularly in English. Many were unable to participate in integration courses, vocational education, or access other employment support measures such as pay subsidy, due to the agreements made with their employment services officer. As a result, they faced significant barriers despite strong qualifications and professional experience. 

The November Career Focus course sought to respond to this gap by offering a low-threshold, online employment support programme that combined practical job-search skills with peer learning, networking, and wellbeing support. The course was implemented in collaboration with MONIKA Multicultural Women's Association, Taitotalo, and Kuntoutussäätiö (Rehabilitation Foundation) and delivered as three online sessions and one in person session during November 2025. The course was organised as part of the CSOs, VET and Employers: Synergy for Better Inclusion project (YHDESSÄ - järjestöt, oppilaitokset ja työnantaja edistämässä työelämäosallisuutta hanke in Finnish) co-funded by the European Union (ESF+). ELY Centre of Häme region acts as the funding authority. 

Designing Services Based on Identified Needs 

Evaluation and client feedback played a central role in shaping the course model. Based on previous service feedback the project expanded its low-threshold services to include more online options, as well as more activities in English, while also strengthening the role of networking and peer support in employment pathways. During the monitoring period, this development resulted in several new service elements, including a hybrid peer support group, the November Career Focus training programme, and facilitated participation in recruitment and networking events such as Taitotalo’s recruitment and employer introduction events and the Studia Fair. These service developments supported the project’s broader objective of strengthening the labour market readiness, and opportunities for participation of migrant jobseekers. 

The November Career Focus course was designed to be flexible and participant centred. The aim of the course was to offer a condensed and more intensive package of the project’s services, enabling participants to focus on developing specific skills and setting short-term objectives linked to their longer-term employment goals. Through a structured and efficient timetable, the course was designed to strengthen participants’ confidence, support progress towards concrete next steps, and provide a targeted “boost” to their overall employment pathway by drawing on the full range of methods and expertise developed within the project. The course included individual guidance sessions where participants defined their employment or study-related goals and created personal career plans. These individual sessions provided an important foundation for trust and ensured that the group learning environment could respond to participants’ diverse backgrounds and aspirations. 

Weekly group sessions were held online via Teams, focusing on skill development, networking, and shared reflection. The group format created opportunities for participants to learn from each other and recognise shared challenges and individual strengths. This format also helped normalise common job-search challenges and strengthened participants’ motivation to continue progressing toward employment or studies. 

Addressing Identity and Wellbeing in the Job Search Process 

One of the most significant themes that emerged from the course was the impact of job searching on identity. Participants came from diverse professional and educational backgrounds and spoke twelve different mother tongues, excluding Finnish and Swedish. Many participants described how unemployment or underemployment in a new country had affected their confidence and professional identity. 

The workshops intentionally addressed this dimension by exploring how being an international jobseeker can influence self-perception and motivation. Participants discussed strategies for maintaining wellbeing during the job search process and reflected on how to recognise and communicate their skills and experience within a Finnish labour market context. 

Guest speakers were invited to the November Career Focus course to provide both professional perspectives and lived experience related to job searching in Finland. Their contributions functioned not only as expert input but also as peer support, offering practical insights into the labour market while strengthening the sense of shared learning among participants. The presence of external speakers also helped participants see diverse career paths and realistic opportunities for progressing toward employment. 

One guest speaker, Dušica Božović, Career Coach at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, highlighted the importance of initiatives that combine practical job-search support with opportunities for peer interaction and wellbeing support. 

“Initiatives like yours play a crucial role, not only by equipping unemployed individuals with practical tools for their job search, but also by fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The positive impact on wellbeing simply from meeting regularly, whether in person or online, should not be underestimated.” 

They also reflected on the broader challenges faced by unemployed migrants in Finland. In the current labour market situation, many migrants experience additional uncertainty related to their residency status or fears about possible legal consequences if they remain unemployed. This can create anxiety and hesitation when taking new steps toward employment or education. They emphasised that providing clear and reliable information is one of the most effective ways to support international jobseekers. 

“In my view, one of the most effective ways to help is by providing clear, reliable information that dispels myths and reassures individuals about their rights and possibilities. For example, my clients are often relieved to hear that working part-time or starting a company pays off, that they can combine studies with unemployment, or that being unemployed does not automatically threaten their right to stay in Finland. Alongside emotional support, I see access to trustworthy information as the cornerstone for empowering international jobseekers to move forward confidently and legally.” 

These reflections closely echoed the challenges observed by the project team when planning the November Career Focus course. The programme was therefore designed specifically to respond to these needs, with its structure and content aimed at creating a safe environment for participants to explore the uncertainties and barriers they face as international jobseekers.  

Strengthening Practical Employment Skills and Wellbeing 

Participants set clear goals for the course, including improving job-search skills, developing CV and application writing, strengthening networking skills, increasing knowledge of Finnish working culture, exploring study opportunities, improving wellbeing, and ultimately finding employment. 

The course content was developed directly in response to these goals. Workshops provided practical information about the Finnish labour market, including where to search for work, how recruitment processes typically function, and how to tailor applications to specific fields and roles. Participants practiced identifying and presenting transferable skills and explored ways to expand professional networks and access mentoring opportunities. 

The importance of peer learning was emphasised throughout the course. Group discussions allowed participants to exchange job search strategies, reflect on experiences, and provide encouragement to each other. This collaborative learning approach was later strengthened through the course’s final in-person session. 

The topic of wellbeing and its impact on job search was an integral part of the course material. Some participants were at first dismissive of or unsure about wellbeing as a topic, seeing it either a non-serious topic or in some cases feeling resistant to broach the subject as they felt some stigma surrounding discussing their wellbeing and mental health. By reframing the topic of wellbeing as being related to identity, it made it easier for some to approach the topic. Discussing identity felt more relatable, concrete and less stigmatised. Others first stated that they would give more time to their wellbeing once they were working, however after reflecting on the materials and taking part in discussions, they concluded that taking steps to support their wellbeing now could result in better long-term progress towards their employment goals.  

The Power of Connection -The Studia Fair Meeting 

Although the course was primarily delivered online, participants met face-to-face during the final session at the Studia Fair in Helsinki on 26 November 2025. This meeting offered participants the opportunity to connect in person after several weeks of online collaboration and further strengthened the sense of community built during the course. 

At the fair, participants were able to meet representatives from educational institutions, employers, and recruitment organisations. The programme also included an employer introduction with Linnanmäki Amusement Park, where participants learned about upcoming summer employment opportunities. For many participants, this session created tangible networking opportunities and strengthened their confidence in approaching employers and educational providers. 

Evaluating Impact and Outcomes 

Feedback collected from participants highlights the course’s positive impact while also providing valuable insights for future development. Importantly, 85 percent of respondents felt that the course helped them plan their employment or study pathways. Seventy percent reported learning new job-search skills, particularly in CV writing and application preparation. In addition, 65 percent reported feeling more motivated to apply for jobs or study opportunities by the end of the course. 

The course also demonstrated positive impacts on participation and wellbeing. Seventy percent of respondents reported receiving peer support during the programme, and 55 percent felt that the course contributed to their overall wellbeing. 

One participant summarised their experience in open feedback: 

“Yes, the course helped me a lot. It improved my understanding of the job search and gave me the skills to add in my CV and cover letter and the confidence to apply what I learned.” 

Lessons Learned and Future Development 

The November Career Focus course demonstrated the importance of developing employment services that address both practical and psychosocial aspects of job searching. The results indicate that combining individual guidance, peer support, and skills-based training can significantly strengthen motivation, confidence, and career planning abilities. 

By combining practical guidance, reliable information, and peer support, the course created a supportive learning environment that strengthened participants’ confidence, wellbeing, and sense of agency during a challenging stage of their employment journey. The course also confirmed the effectiveness of blended service delivery models. Online sessions increased accessibility and allowed participation regardless of location or life circumstances. At the same time, in person networking opportunities created meaningful connections and strengthened engagement. 

From a broader perspective, the course highlighted the importance of recognising the structural gaps faced by highly educated international jobseekers. Tailored services that acknowledge participants’ existing expertise while supporting their transition into a new labour market can play a key role in strengthening employment outcomes and social inclusion.

Moving Forward 

The experiences gained through the November Career Focus course provide valuable insight into the benefit of multiprofessional collaboration in supporting international professionals. The course demonstrated that employment support is not solely about job placement. It is also about strengthening identity, building confidence, and creating supportive communities that enable individuals to recognise their own value, their potential, and that give the opportunity to come together, network and learn from each other. 

Written by
Chloe Järvinen, Monika-Naiset Liitto ry

Projektipäällikkö, YHDESSÄ - Järjestöt, oppilaitokset ja työnantajat edistämässä työelämäosallisuutta -hanke

Project Manager of YHDESSÄ- Järjestöt, oppilaitokset ja työnantajat edistämässä työelämäosallisuutta -hanke