Professional Transitions Programme for Highly Qualified Professionals in Switzerland

RE: BORN Professional Transitions is a six-month career transition programme designed for highly qualified professionals who are navigating or planning a professional transition in Switzerland.

The programme is intended for individuals who want not only to find a job, but to thoughtfully build the next stage of their professional journey while taking into account the realities of the Swiss labour market, local professional culture, and their own career aspirations.

The programme combines the expertise of the Ukraine reborn team gained through successfully delivering previous employment transition programmes for Ukrainians in Switzerland, the experience of Ukrainian professionals who have successfully rebuilt their careers in Switzerland following the full-scale invasion, and the knowledge of professionals who have built successful careers in Switzerland over many years. This unique combination of practical experience, mentoring, and modern career development approaches makes RE: BORN Professional Transitions a distinctive programme.

Who is this programme for?

The programme is designed for professionals who:

• live in a French-speaking canton of Switzerland;
• have English and/or French language proficiency at B2 level or higher;
• are looking for employment or planning their professional development in Switzerland;
• are ready to actively invest in their career development and participate throughout the programme.

Programme Structure

Module 1 – Transition Intelligence

A professional transition is about much more than changing jobs. It also involves redefining your professional identity.

For this reason, the programme begins with developing Transition Intelligence—the ability to navigate career transitions consciously and effectively, especially when those transitions were not originally our own choice.

During this module, participants will work on:

• redefining their professional identity;
• understanding how their career path has evolved since relocating to Switzerland;
• recognising their competencies beyond a previous job title or profession;
• building the mindset and confidence needed for the next stage of their career.

This work provides the foundation for every subsequent stage of the programme.

Duration: 3–4 group sessions.

Module 2 – Preparing for the Swiss Labour Market

This is the most practical and comprehensive part of the programme.

Working alongside experienced experts, participants prepare to enter the Swiss professional environment, which has its own unique characteristics and differs both from the Ukrainian labour market and from working in international companies.

The module combines group workshops with individual coaching.

Topics include:

• understanding the Swiss labour market;
• Swiss professional culture and employers’ expectations;
• defining and refining career goals;
• personalised work on CVs and cover letters;
• creating or optimising a LinkedIn profile;
• preparing a complete application package;
• individual support throughout the programme;
• meetings with guest experts from a wide range of professional sectors.

Duration: approximately 8–10 sessions, depending on the needs of the group.

Module 3 – Mentoring and Professional Networking

Once participants have developed their career strategy and prepared all the necessary application materials, they begin working with mentors.

Programme mentors are experienced professionals who have successfully built their careers in Switzerland and are willing to share their knowledge and practical insights.

Each participant will have four individual mentoring sessions with a mentor working in the sector relevant to their career goals.

These meetings provide an opportunity to:

• receive personalised professional feedback;
• gain a deeper understanding of their industry;
• expand their professional network;
• discuss realistic career opportunities in Switzerland.

Networking is one of the key drivers of professional success in Switzerland, and it is therefore a central component of the programme.

Final Stage

The programme concludes with a joint event bringing together participants, mentors, and the programme team.

This final gathering offers an opportunity to:

• reflect on the journey;
• share experiences and lessons learned;
• celebrate achievements;
• further expand professional networks;
• identify the next steps in participants’ career development.

Programme Format

• Duration: approximately six months;
• Schedule: generally one session per week;
• Session length: between 1.5 and 3 hours;
• Delivery format: online, in-person, and hybrid;
• In-person sessions take place in Geneva.

The duration of individual modules may vary slightly depending on the pace and needs of the group.

Participant Selection

The programme is limited to approximately 15 participants.

Before the programme begins, all applicants participate in an individual interview. This helps determine:

• whether the programme matches their current needs;
• whether it will provide maximum value for their career development;
• whether they are ready to commit actively throughout the six-month programme.

Participation Fee

Participation is free of charge for Ukrainian nationals residing in Switzerland under Protection Status S.

Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to attend the in-person sessions in Geneva.

Pre-registration Form