School of Business and Governance

I decided to take part in this year’s mentoring programme because last year I had a very good experience. I felt that I wanted to go even deeper into understanding myself and to find focus points in my everyday life. My life is colourful and full of opportunities, but at the end of the day I cannot manage to deal with everything. I am a student for whom it is important to learn to set clear priorities.

The mentoring programme gave me more than I expected. One of the greatest gifts was the mentor with whom a trusting and supportive relationship developed. She was caring, understanding, and our ways of thinking aligned well. Communication with my mentor was smooth and natural, and this gave me inner peace and the confidence that I was moving in the right direction. What gave me the most value was finding focus. I learned not only how to act, but how to move consciously towards my goals. The life-wheel exercise was very impactful, as it gave me a clear picture of the balance in my life. It turned out that the areas needing the most attention were free time and the financial side. These were exactly the weak spots I had previously ignored. I very much appreciated that my mentor did not tell me what I had to do. Instead, she asked questions that helped me arrive at the answers myself. This made the whole process much more meaningful and effective. I also gained new ideas on how to support my financial situation more consciously in a way that aligns with my values and lifestyle.

Although my collaboration with my mentor continues, it must be said that for a young student it is so important that the university continues supporting such programmes, and for me this programme has given not only confidence but also a more experienced person by my side who cares about my success and is supportive in different situations.

As an international student in Estonia, entering the local labor market and starting a career in my field of study is quite challenging. One reason I decided to participate in this programme was the opportunity to receive personalized advice on the knowledge and skills required to apply to local companies in my field of study, marketing. My primary goal for the upcoming summer was to secure an internship and gain practical experience. However, working in a real company presented difficulties due to language barriers, cultural differences, and the specifics of the local market. Therefore, another reason for joining the programme was to create a strong profile that would help me appear as an attractive candidate to employers, including the preparation of my CV, motivational letters, and applications in general. Additionally, a key motivator for joining was the desire to expand my professional network, meet new people, and learn more about career opportunities in Tallinn specifically. 
During the program, I gained several skills and pieces of knowledge that are particularly valuable to me and deserve emphasis. 
One of the most transformative aspects of the programme was the enhancement of my planning and time management skills. My mentor, an expert in personal development, guided me through various strategies and techniques to set realistic goals, prioritize tasks effectively, and allocate my time more efficiently. This has not only improved my productivity but also reduced stress during the harsh examination period and increased my overall sense of control over my personal and professional life. Another crucial experience was the comprehensive review and enhancement of my CV. My mentor provided detailed feedback and practical advice on how to structure my CV to better reflect my skills and experiences. This process made my CV more competitive and gave me a deeper understanding of how to present myself to potential employers. This experience definitely boosted my confidence during internship interviews. 
In addition, through our discussions, I gained a detailed understanding of the marketing industry. My mentor shared insights into the various roles and responsibilities within the field, from content creation and digital marketing to market research and strategy development. These insights equipped me with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about my career and professional growth. I would definitely recommend this programme to other students since it provides an invaluable opportunity to take time and reflect on their professional future as well as take steps closer to their desired careers. Additionally, students receive personalized advice from professionals who are experts in their respective fields, allowing them to ask questions and gain practical insights that are often not covered in a traditional academic environment. Furthermore, the programme encourages the expansion of one's professional network, which is critical for career growth, especially for those studying or working in a foreign country. 
 

I joined the programme because I wanted to gain new contacts and knowledge, specifically from people who have had the same journey—studied at TalTech and hopefully in the same field—so that I could share my own experiences. Additionally, I hoped that through the program, I would be able to secure an internship or at least get my "foot in the door" in some way. I believe that, even if not immediately, going through this programme will benefit me in the future. I had the opportunity to speak with an experienced person who was able to help me. The most important thing was that they listened. They gave advice on how to do things, and that was very supportive. Together, we worked on my motivation letter and CV for development fund scholarships. Additionally, they brought up one task that was taught during the mentor meetings: talk about yourself for 3 minutes, and do this 3 times, but don’t repeat what you’ve already said. This was a very interesting task, and it seemed difficult at first, but in the end, it was completely doable. I was surprised by how much I could talk about myself in different ways. 

I highly recommend participating in this program, as it can truly open doors to the future. If you're lucky, you might even secure an internship, as I did. However, even if you don’t get the internship, you will at least gain valuable contacts. I believe that a mentor can guide you in exactly the way you need.