Talent Sprint Challenge 2026

Your Fast Track from Studies to Working Life in Finland

Are you an international student in Jyväskylä looking for real work experience, company connections, and a clear path to internships?
Then the Talent Sprint Challenge is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What is Talent Sprint?

Talent Sprint is a hands‑on co‑creation event where students and companies work together to solve real business challenges. Students from Jamk, JYU and Gradia are welcome, plus alumni and clients of International House Jyväskylä. 
Instead of traditional recruitment, companies bring actual problems — and you get to develop concepts, prototypes, and solutions that matter.

Organized by JAMK Talent Boost and Brande Oy, with partners including ELY‑Centre, Keski‑Suomen Kauppakamari, JES, Yritystehdas, EXPA, Muurame, Viitasaari, International House Jyväskylä and more.

The main language of the event is English.

Why You Should Join

✔ Real work experience

You’ll work directly with your assigned case company during the Career Trips.

✔ Direct access to internships

Companies can select students for Summer or Autumn internships based on performance.

✔ Build your portfolio

You’ll create prototypes, concepts, and solutions you can showcase.

✔ Grow your professional network

Meet employers, mentors, and peers from across Jyväskylä.

✔ Learn essential skills

Workshops strengthen your professional identity, digital skills, communication, and job‑seeking abilities.

✔ Mentoring from experts

Brande and company professionals guide you throughout the sprint.

✔ Understand Finnish working life

Learn how companies operate, communicate, and make decisions.

What the Event Includes

1. Introduction Session

9 April 2026, 14:00–15:30
Tulikari Auditorium, Jamk Rajakatu Campus

2. 4–5 Professional Workshops

Held between 14 April – 5 May 2026, in the afternoons.
Workshops are in-person and not recorded.

Workshop themes include:

• Networking & making a strong impression
• Finnish office culture & communication
• Entrepreneurship basics
• Digital & AI skills for everyday work
• Career skills: CV, applications, self‑presentation

3. Career Trips (active company work!)

You must attend at least one.

6 May 2026 – Muurame
7 May 2026 – Viitasaari

During these trips, you will:

• Work directly with your case company
• Solve real problems
• Develop prototypes and solutions
• Visit local companies and innovation hubs

4. Final Showcase Event

15 May 2026 (preliminary)
Crazy Town Jyväskylä, 13:00

Earn 5 ECTS

Jamk and JYU students can earn 5 ECTS by completing the required sessions. In JYU students can receive the credits through 2 optional courses by writing a learning diary: Entrepreneurship in Action (contact Mari Suoranta mari.suoranta@jyu.fi before the event) or Employability Enhancing Studies (contact Reija Häkkinen reija.a.hakkinen@jyu.fi before the event) for learning diary instructions. 

To receive credits, you must attend:

• Introduction session
• At least 3 workshops
• At least 1 Career Trip
• Final event

Internship selection is not guaranteed, but your performance during the sprint gives you a real chance to be chosen.

Who Can Join?

Students from all programmes are welcome.
The content is designed especially for international students seeking:

• Finnish work experience
• Networking opportunities
• Career development
• A pathway to internships

Ready to sprint toward your future?

This is your chance to gain real experience, meet real companies, and take a real step toward your career in Finland.

Apply now and secure your place.
Your future colleagues might be waiting for you on the other side of this challenge.

Registration: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/4D033F661FF31218

Website page: https://www.jamk.fi/en/event/talent-sprint-challenge