Training and Events

In the development service, students and recent graduates from computing and humanities form teams and assess the level of digital and international maturity in North Karelian companies through interviews. The assessment focuses on the company’s current digital capabilities and its ability to recruit international talents and communicate with customers in different languages. After the assessment, the teams create tailored development plans, based on concrete actions, for the companies.  

The service will improve the digital and internationalisation skills of businesses now and in the future. It will strengthen networks of students, recent graduates and businesses. The skills development can continue through guided learning, internships or cooperation with experts.   

For whom? 1) North Karelian companies, 2) master’s degree students and recent graduates from humanities and computing. Students at the end of their bachelor’s studies are also welcome.

Where? Joensuu Campus (UEF) and company premises

Language? English (Finnish) 

Price? The service is free of charge, but we require the participants to fill out their participant information in the EURA 2021 information system. The instructions will be sent when registering. 

What is it like to participate in the development service? Read about the development service pilot.   

Expertise in computer science and in linguistic and cultural fields plays an important role in the transformation of working life. Make the most of your strengths and apply your skills to real-life work situations – join the Digital and International Skills Development Service. Network with companies and gain valuable experience of interdisciplinary teamwork.    

Register by filling out this form.  You can register until 24 March. 

Please note that the service requires attendance at an orientation session and commitment to teamwork.   

Programme 

•  17.3.2025 9:00–11:30 Introduction, room AG102
  Companies in North Karelia and Finnish business culture

• 24.3.2025 9:00–11:30 Digital tools, room AG102
  How to assess a company’s digital maturity: VTT’s digital tools

• 31.3.2025 9:00–11:30 Survey, room AG102
  How to assess a company’s international competence: internationalisation survey

•  4.4.2025 9:00–11:00 Companies and teams, room AG102
  Team building

• 11.4.2025 9:00–12:00 Instructions, room AG102
  Step-by-step instructions for company interviews and creating a development plan for a company

• April–May 2025 Fieldwork in teams
  Company interviews and development plans

• 19.5.2025 9:00–12:00 Wrap-up meeting, room AG102
  Results and feedback

• 30.5.2025 Deadline for the development plans 

Credits and other attainments 

Students, recent graduates and jobseekers can participate in the implementation of the development service. Jobseekers must check the possible effects of participating in the training on unemployment benefits with the TE services. 

You can get 5 ECTS and/or a digital badge by attending all the meetings (16 h), conducting a company interview and creating a development plan (teamwork, 50–80 h). Humanities students can include the credits for example in Work Experience 1–10 ECTS studies/course, and computing students can include the credits in Optional and minor subject studies. Discuss credit incorporation with the respective course instructors in advance.

Note: If you participated in the Digital and international competence development service (March–May 2024), you cannot receive credits now.

Would you like valuable insights into the level of your company’s digital and international skills? You can apply for the development service by contacting Project Manager Anna Logrén: anna.logren(at)uef.fi , tel. +358 50 431 7670.  

Why participate? 

You will receive a personalized, action-oriented development plan for your business, designed to guide its operations both now and in the future. The implementation process will foster strong connections between companies and students specializing in internationalization and digitalization. Participating in the service also strengthens ties with the university and its research network. 

Programme

• 4.4.2025 Companies introduce themselves to students (voluntary)  on Joensuu Campus or remotely

• 11.4.–18.5.2025 Students interview companies and create development plans  

• 19.5.2025 Wrap-up meeting (voluntary)  on Joensuu Campus

• 30.5.2025 Companies receive the development plans    

How can North Karelia attract and retain international talent and provide sustainable working life connections? This issue will be addressed in the spring seminar of the North Karelia Future Skills Forum. The event will feature expert insights, discussion and networking opportunities for everyone who wants to build the future of North Karelia.

The event is organised by the CUDIS project (ESF+) in collaboration with the Regional Council of North Karelia.

When? 24.4.2025, 12:00–15:30

Where? Tiedepuisto (Building 3A, Orange Hall, 4th floor), Länsikatu 15, Joensuu

Language? Finnish (mostly)

For Whom?  1) North Karelian companies and working life developers 2) students and graduates of humanities and computing 3) others interested.

Price? Free of charge. However, we require the participants to sign in to the EURA 2021 system. You will receive the instructions when you sign up.

Sign up at this link. 

Programme (mostly in Finnish):

• Opening speech by the Regional Council of North Karelia – Regional Development Director Eira Varis (Regional Council of North Karelia)
• Cultural changes in internationalising working life – Professor Risto Turunen (University of Eastern Finland)
• Greetings from Chember of Commerce – CEO Antti Toivanen (North Karelia Chamber of Commerce)
• Why would I stay here? Development proposals from international students to increase the attractiveness of the region – CUDIS workshop results
• Company interviews
• The role of organisations in the integration of international workers – Coordinator of Multicultural Work Katri Silvonen (North Karelian Society for Social Security) and Vice Chairperson Sami Tanskanen (Joensuu district multicultural association)

The programme includes a coffee service and musical performance. The event is hosted by Joona Kotilainen.

You can earn 1 ECTS credit and a digital badge by attending at least two events of the North Karelia Future Skills Forum and completing the required assignments. Jobseekers must check the possible effects of participating in the training on unemployment benefits with the TE services.

1) Humanities students can include the credits for example in Work Experience 1–10 ECTS studies/course 2) Computing students can include the credits in Optional and minor subject studies. Discuss credit incorporation with the respective course instructors.

Humanities students: You can also include the forum evetns as working life events in your portfolio.

The assignment instructions: 

Attend two North Karelia Future Skills Forum events and write texts about them. Submit the texts to the project staff according to the agreed schedule.

Assignments:

Write a total of four texts about two forum events, which you can optionally offer for publication on the CUDIS website/blog. From each event, write one shorter news-style article and one longer article.

• A shorter news-style article or report-type summary, at least 300–400 words: basic information about the event, speakers, key contents, main messages, etc. Did you learn anything new?
• A longer article that complements the news-style piece about the same event, at least 750–850 words: the article can be an interview or a perspective piece that focuses on a specific theme with an analytical approach. The article may include sources and personal reflections.
• Both articles can include photos from the event (note: ensure photography permissions).

If you are interested in earning credits, please contact the project staff before the event or soon after: (anna.logren(at)uef.fi or oona.jarvinen(at)uef.fi). Discuss the details and scope of the texts with them.

On the cover page (not counted towards the page limit), include your name, student number, and the course you are seeking credit towards, along with the contact information of the teacher in charge of that course. Note: You must confirm in advance with the course teacher whether the texts are acceptable as a substitute for course credit. The project staff will review the texts and record the credits in the study register.

If you want to publish the text on our blog: Please note that the texts related to the event will be published as soon as possible after the event. The final decision on publication is made by the project.

The previous forum event was on 28 August 2024 (North Karelia Future Skills Forum -kick-off/panel discussion).