Opening doors through mentorship: Bahareh and Maaike’s journey

This is the story of Maaike, a designer at Tietoevry Care, and Bahareh, a skilled UX/UI designer originally from Iran. They are two women whose mentoring journey became more than just a professional pairing. It became a story of mutual growth, cultural connections, and new beginnings. 

A shared beginning 

Bahareh Atash moved to Finland in 2020. She had a background in graphic design and had recently acquired a role in UX/UI design at a company back home. But breaking into the Finnish job market proved to be a challenge. 

“I started to feel quite discouraged,” Bahareh recalls. “I was looking for ways to gain local experience and find a job, but it was really difficult.” 

She learned about the Startup Refugees mentoring program and was matched with Maaike, an immigrant from the Netherlands who has lived in Finland for over 20 years. "When I first arrived, I didn’t know the language or have a network. I know how isolating that can be," Maaike shares. "I wanted to help someone find their place like I eventually did." 

Mentorship in action 

Over the course of three months, the two met regularly to work on Bahareh’s professional development. They refined her portfolio, prepared her for interviews, and helped her build confidence in navigating Finnish work culture. 

“It’s been a really positive and helpful experience,” says Bahareh. “My mentor was very supportive, and we became good friends. That meant a lot to me as someone new to the country. This program gave me structure and direction, and it made me feel like I was part of something again." 

Maaike was equally impressed with Bahareh's drive and potential. "She’s a very talented designer who just hasn’t gotten her opportunity yet," says Maaike. "She speaks Finnish, is eager to learn, and openly shares her thoughts. It was clear that she just needed a foot in the door." 

That door soon opened in Tietoevry. 

"When it seemed our design team could use extra help, we offered Bahareh a traineeship, and our mentoring continued," Maaike shares proudly. 

Moments of pride 

One key moment stood out for Bahareh during her traineeship. "I got to work on a real project, and my ideas were actually used," she says. "I wasn’t just an observer; I was part of the process. That made me feel like I mattered again." 

Seeing Bahareh shine confirmed Maaike's belief in the power of mentorship. "I’m extremely proud of Bahareh and how she has adapted to our fast-paced organization. She participates in projects with a positive attitude. In the five months that she has been here, she has made positive contributions. This shows that she just needed a chance to demonstrate her abilities," she says. 

"When you’re new to a country and looking for work, it’s hard to know where to start. This kind of mentoring helps people understand what they need to do and provides the support they need to succeed," says Bahareh. 

Learning goes both ways 

The experience wasn’t one-sided. Bahareh learned how to work in a Finnish company, and she also brought a fresh perspective and cultural richness to her mentor. 

“She introduced me to Iranian food and provided new insights from her background. We found common ground not only as designers but also as immigrants and moms," says Maaike. 

Bahareh appreciated the two-way exchange just as much. “We learned from each other. That made the experience even better," she says. 

Why it matters 

"Programs like this are important because they create bridges between potential and opportunity. They also provide opportunities for growth. When you’re new to a country and looking for work, it’s hard to know where to start. This kind of mentoring helps people understand what they need to do and provides the support they need to succeed," says Bahareh. 

For Maaike, it’s about unlocking hidden potential and creating lasting change. "There are so many talented people like Bahareh out there. Mentorship opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. Through these opportunities, we can change people's lives. That matters.” 

Looking ahead 

Reflecting on Maaike and Bahareh’s journey reminds us that every successful integration story has someone behind it who is willing to mentor, share, and believe. 

At Tietoevry, we’re proud to continue our work with Startup Refugees, creating opportunities and opening doors for the future. Because when one door opens, it often opens many more.