Mitt Livs Chans Mentoring program

Become a mentor and contribute to a more inclusive labour market

The application for the spring program is now closed. The next program starts in autumn 2025, and we will soon announce the exact dates for the next application period. Stay tuned on our website for updates!

Would you like a reminder via email when the application opens? Register your email here:

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At present in Sweden, around 21% of foreign-born individuals with post-secondary education are either unemployed or in a job that doesn’t match their qualifications – the corresponding figure for Swedish-born individuals with a similar level of education is only 9%.

Being a mentor in Mitt Livs Chans means that you support an individual with a foreign background and post-secondary education and help your mentee to navigate the Swedish labour market. Mentorship is a concrete undertaking whereby you use your knowledge and experience to help another person – but it is also a rewarding investment of time in your own personal development! As a mentor you:

  • Gain increased insight into diversity and inclusion issues in the labour market
  • Gain increased awareness of your own prejudices and exclusionary behaviour, and a better understanding of other cultures
  • Develop your ability to lead and coach others
  • Expand your professional network through contact with the program’s mentees and other mentors
  • Gain a sense of meaningfulness and receive an opportunity to make a difference to another person and contribute to integration in the Swedish labour market

Who can become a mentor?

We are looking for mentors from all types of roles and positions in all types of industries and sectors. We also welcome applications from retired persons. To be a mentor in our program, you need to:

  • Have a few years’ work experience in the Swedish labour market

  • Have a post-secondary education or equivalent experience

  • Be engaged, inquisitive and a good listener

  • Be able to communicate freely in English

  • Be able to commit around 10 hours in total during the 4 months of the program.

Structure of the program

Mitt Livs Chans offers two programs per year – one during the autumn and one during the spring. Each program lasts for 4 months, and participation entails a commitment of around 10 hours in total. Since you participate digitally, you are welcome to apply regardless of where you live in Sweden. All the joint meetings are held in English.

During the program you are expected to meet with your mentee on at least four occasions, and you are responsible for booking these meetings yourselves. We primarily match mentees and mentors on the basis of educational background, industry/sector and experience. As a mentor you also take part in the program’s joint meetings, where you have the opportunity to meet other mentees and mentors for networking purposes, and where you can further contribute your knowledge and experience of the Swedish labour market.

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Stories

What do previous participants say about their experience of Mitt Livs Chans? Read their stories!

“You give, but you gain even more” – Goritza Nauwerck named Mentor of the Year

With deep empathy, practical experience, and a personal commitment to building a more inclusive society, Goritza Nauwerck has inspired her mentees to grow, reflect, and take new steps toward their careers. Through her active listening, strategic guidance, and belief in each individual’s potential, Goritza embodies the essence of mentorship. For her dedication and impact, she is named Mentor of the Year 2025.

From Sri Lanka to Sweden: Thathsara’s journey through Mitt Liv’s mentoring program

"Inspiration and experiences for life" - meet three mentors at SEB

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Impacts on our mentors

gain increased insights into what characterises an inclusive workplace.

improve their capacity to lead and coach.

gain ideas on how their organisation could act more inclusive in the workplace.

gain ideas on how their organisation can increase diversity in the workplace.

98% of the mentors would recommend a friend to participate in Mitt Livs Chans.

FAQ

How much time do I need to invest as a mentor?

During the program you are expected to meet with your mentee on at least 4 occasions, and you are responsible for booking these meetings yourselves. You also take part in the program’s joint meetings, where you have the opportunity to meet other mentees and mentors for networking purposes, and where you can further contribute your knowledge and experience of the Swedish labour market. This entails a time commitment of around 10 hours in total during the 4 months of the program.

What is my primary task as a mentor?

Your role is to act as a sounding board and to provide your mentee with guidance based on his/her specific needs, circumstances and goals. You work together to navigate issues concerning the Swedish labour market, the job-seeking process or a specific industry or sector. For the mentee it is particularly important to have a mentor who feels committed to the program and who is prepared to take the time necessary to build up a rewarding relationship.

Am I expected to find a job for my mentee?

No, your assignment as mentor is not to find a job for your mentee. The primary aim of mentorship is to work together with your mentee and use support and guidance to improve your mentee’s possibilities of finding a job that matches his/her qualifications and skills.

How do you match a mentor with a mentee?

Matching is done as far as possible based on educational background, industry, geographical location, and work experience. In some cases, it is not possible to find a mentor with a similar background. In those situations, we prioritize ensuring that every mentee is still offered a mentor, as we believe that mentorship can provide great value even without an exact match.

We consider other factors that can contribute to meaningful conversations and development – for example, the mentor’s experience with the Swedish labour market and recruitment processes. Our goal is to give as many participants as possible the opportunity to join the program and receive support on their path into the job market.

Do I get paid for being a mentor?

No, unfortunately we are not able to pay any remuneration to our mentors. Being a mentor is a completely voluntary undertaking and helps us to be able to provide a free-of-charge program for the mentees.

Can a mentor have more than one mentee at the same time?

Absolutely! The number of applications we receive from potential mentees is increasing each year, and the program needs more mentors now than ever before. We therefore encourage applicants to take on more than one mentee if possible, although this is completely voluntary, of course, and something you select through a proactive choice in your application. If you are matched with two or more mentees, we recommend that you arrange to meet with them at the same time – not only does this save you time, it also gives the mentees an opportunity to learn from each other.

Who are the other mentors in the program?

Our mentors come from a mix of different sectors/industries, and roles – just like our mentees! Around half of the mentors in our program come from Mitt Liv’s collaboration partners.

Who are the mentees?

The mentees are individuals with a foreign background and post-secondary education who don’t have a job in Sweden that matches their qualifications. In the program we apply Statistics Sweden’s definition of foreign background, which means individuals who were born outside of Sweden or individuals who were born in Sweden but have two foreign-born parents. The mentees come from a wide range of industries and sectors, and most of them have at least a few years’ work experience.

The team behind our mentoring program

Do you have questions, or would you like more information? Please feel free to contact us!

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