Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) is kicking off it's first OpenDoors event in collaboration with GRID-Arendal. The event, which is to take place on 5th June, coincides with World Environment Day.
OpenDoors is one of many WHA initiatives aimed at creating sustainable conditions for international workers and their families in the region.
It is also part of WHA’s collaborative efforts with business associations, municipalities and the voluntary sector to create comprehensive solutions that contribute to the retention of expertise in Southwest Agder.
What is OpenDoors?
OpenDoors is a social and professional networking concept for internationals in Agder and is part of the Welcome Alliance spearheaded by WHA.
It is designed to connect internationals in Agder through a series of in-person networking events.
Each event is hosted by a local business, cultural institution, or leisure association, offering newcomers a chance to explore the region’s workplaces, cultural life, and recreational opportunities.
The way it works
Local businesses will invite international workers and their partners to an informal evening of food, drink and informal conversations. At the event, the company will give a short presentation about who they are, what they do, and how they contribute to the region.
GRID-Arendal will share the important work that it does on beating plastic pollution, in keeping with the theme of this year's World Environment Day.
The Value of OpenDoors
OpenDoors will help Southwest Agder to create an awareness of the businesses and opportunities that exist in the region.
Businesses will have opportunities to showcase their company, and build a reputation as an inclusive and attractive employer in the region.
Both internationals and businesses would have a meeting place where they can meet and network easily.
OpenDoors is more than an event - it is a bridge between people, possibilities, and places.
Would you like to OpenDoors?
Does having a foreign name pose as an added challenge for international job seekers in Norway?
This thought-provoking question was at the heart of Jama Philip Korn’s presentation, Getting a Job with a Foreign Name, at Welcome Hub Agder’s (WHA) first Job Start Course in Kristiansand.
Korn, a career counsellor at Karriere Agder, drew from real-life examples featured in local media to shed light on the unique barriers faced by job seekers with non-Norwegian or ethnically diverse names. His presentation addressed how these candidates often encounter unconscious bias in the hiring process, even before they’ve had a chance to demonstrate their skills or experience. This is especially so for internationals hoping to secure their first job in Norway.
While name-based discrimination continues to affect international job seekers in Norway, Korn emphasised that this issue isn’t solely about prejudice. From an employer’s perspective, unfamiliar names can trigger hesitation, not necessarily from malice, but from a fear of the unknown—something that sounds different, and therefore feels uncertain.
In addition to name bias, Korn noted a common preference by employers to favour candidates with Norwegian education and work experience. The reason for this - it takes too much time and effort for employers to validate foreign qualifications and employment history. As a result, many international applicants are overlooked simply because their credentials are unfamiliar.
Rather than focusing solely on reforming the hiring system —something that will take time— Korn encouraged international job seekers to be proactive. This includes cultivating cultural awareness, demonstrating flexibility, and adapting to Norwegian workplace norms without losing one’s identity.
“It’s not about changing your identity to fit in, but about understanding the system and learning how to navigate it strategically,” Korn said.
One of the most powerful tools job seekers can leverage, according to Korn, is networking. Whether it’s being present at events, maintaining a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn, or volunteering, visibility matters. These efforts not only help build professional connections but also give employers a chance to see beyond the name on a CV. He also urged job seekers to view their diverse backgrounds as assets.
“Your name tells a story. Use it as a door opener, not a door closer.”
- Jama Philip Korn, career counsellor, Karriere Agder
As with previous Job Start courses in Arendal, several industry experts delivered a series of presentations and workshops at the two-day course in Kristiansand. Topics included:
The Job Start course in Kristiansand welcomed internationals from all over the world, many of whom had moved to Agder as spouses of professionals hired by local employers such as Morrow Batteries, Vennesla Videregående Skole, Aker BP, Universitetet i Agder, Apotek 1, Sørlandet Sykehus Arendal and Mester Grønn.
One such accompanying spouse, Nurul Aini Syazanna, travelled to Kristiansand for the course although she lives in Arendal. She had not considered that having a foreign name could affect her job search in Norway, but believes that recognising this challenge is the first step towards addressing it.
"Philip’s presentation helped me understand how networking and volunteering can help internationals, especially those with a foreign name, to showcase our skills, build trust, and make personal connections that go beyond what's written on a CV. I see this as a proactive approach to get one foot in the door."
- Nurul Aini Syazanna, relocated from Malaysia when her husband found a job in Arendal.
West Agder is a region where many internationals are outside of society and Job Start is an initiative that will support many in finding meaningful work, said Megan Strand, CEO, WHA.
"Key to retaining international competence in the region is supporting spouses of international workers to find work themselves. Job Start is an initiative where internationals get a chance to receive invaluable advice, meet experts and build a network that will support them in getting their first job in Norway," she added.
WHA's Job Start Kristiandsand would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners and collaborators - Caritas Arendal, Karriere Agder, Frameworks, Linn Hesthag, Isra Issa, Nord Café, and Bølgen Bærekraftsenter - a sincere thank you for making our first Job Start course in Kristiansand a success!
Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) is launching its Job Start Course in Kristiansand in April, marking the first time that the course will be held outside of Arendal.
The course is aimed at providing newcomers with the practical tools and resources that they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Industry professionals are also invited to share valuable insights and strategies for job searching, networking, and skill development.
With approximately 30 percent of participants from previous Job Start courses securing employment within three months of attending, WHA is confident that the course will also make an impact in other municipalities in the region.
"We’re thrilled to have met so many great talents living in Agder and supporting them to take confident steps toward their future careers. Hosting our Job Start Course in Kristiansand is the next logical step for us … we want to support job seekers throughout Agder and we’re excited about this."
- Megan Strand, CEO, WHA
WHA’s first Job Start course for the year concluded in Arendal last week. Participants learnt:
One participant, Clara Joan Joaquim, had only been in Arendal for a week after moving from Malaysia, when she joined the course. She shared how Job Start equipped her with new strategies to stand out in the competitive Norwegian job market.
“I am currently refining my CV and LinkedIn profile based on the valuable insights shared by the speakers. They highlighted aspects of job hunting—particularly in the Norwegian job market—that I had not previously considered."
- Clara Joan Joaquim, Job Start participant
"A speaker from NAV also provided insights into current job market demands, which I found particularly helpful in aligning my job search accordingly. I am eager to assess my current potential and focus on upskilling to become more competitive,” added Joaquim.
While the course provides an essential introduction to the local job landscape for newcomers to Norway, it also underscores the importance of continued support for job seekers, helping them build confidence and take meaningful steps toward employment in Norway.
WHA would like to thank our collaborators, without whose support this course would not have been possible:
Welcome Hub Agder is boosting its efforts to help internationals settle down easily and integrate faster by using Places.nu - an interactive map that enables newcomers to engage with their new surroundings in a more personal and meaningful way.
To be launched this spring, Places allows users to explore locations through two main features: a community-driven map, where individuals and organisations share locations, and an events section, displaying activities happening at mapped locations.
“The Places.nu platform was inspired by research on mapping the experiences of Holocaust survivors, which explored how places hold different meanings based on personal experiences. This concept was brought to Arendal to create a dynamic platform where people can share and discover places that matter to them, such as viewpoints, beaches, and pick-your-own farms.”
- Levi Westerveld, the platform's designer.
The platform introduces a social aspect, allowing users to follow curated maps from others, and integrates real-time event discovery, making it more dynamic than static mapping services.
Events are highlighted based on time and location, ensuring that users always see relevant and timely activities in their area. The platfiorm is designed for both desktop and mobile, accessible via a web browser or as a native app.
Places is currently concentrated on Arendal to ensure a critical mass of users and relevant content before expanding further.
“For internationals, Places presents an invaluable resource for connecting with local events and communities, making it easier to navigate and integrate into their new surroundings.”
- Tonje Salgado, Business Development and Project Manager, Welcome Hub Agder.
While similar to Facebook Events, Places differentiates itself by allowing access without requiring an account.
“Privacy is a core focus for us since we are offering access to most of the content on Places without requiring an account. Only users who want to create maps or register events need to sign up, and personal information such as email addresses is not shared. Users can delete their accounts and data at any time,” said Westerveld.
With its innovative approach to mapping meaningful locations and events, Places is set to transform how people interact with the places around them—and has the potential for turning every corner of the world into a story worth discovering.
Losing a job is never easy - it brings uncertainty, stress, and a flood of questions about what comes next. In order to support those affected by changes to their employment status, Welcome Hub Agder held an event - Downsizing Q&A: Support and guidance on next steps - to provide clarity, support, and actionable guidance to help individuals move forward with confidence.
The gathering saw experts and advisors come together to equip attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate this transition. They received valuable information covering several crucial topics including -
The event served as a reminder that while job loss is difficult, it is also a turning point — an opportunity to rebuild and realign with new career possibilities. With the right mindset and resources, attendees can take control of their next steps and shape a new, promising future.
"Above all, I encourage those affected to stay positive, proactive, and persistent — these qualities will help them navigate this challenging transition and open doors to new opportunities."
- Gjermund Nesland, CEO of Qualified Professionals International
The speakers' presentations will be available on our website shortly.
After much anticipation, Welcome Hub Agder hosted our first and extra special Coffee Connections on February 6 at Kopano Café, our new home just down the road from our previous location.
As well as welcoming our members to our new location, the conversations over coffee provided a unique opportunity to co-create a welcome centre at our new space for both locals and internationals alike.
Through interactive sessions, participants shared insights, collaborated on ideas, and helped shape a space embodying the needs and preferences of those who rely on our services.
"Welcome Hub's physical location is key to ensuring our members have a space where they can meet, make connections, get information, and feel a part of the community - so it's important to engage our members and get feedback in order to create a space that will be functional, inspire, and meet the expectations and needs of our community.”
- Megan Strand, CEO, Welcome Hub Agder
Welcoming a New Team Member
In addition to our move, we are also excited to welcome Robin Carlsen to the Welcome Hub family!
Robin has joined us as our Operations Manager and brings with her a wealth of experience in building international networks as well as digital communications and learning projects. We are confident that her expertise and leadership will play a vital role in driving our continued success.
"I am delighted to join such a meaningful, international organisation supporting my core values of belonging and connection. As an international myself, I’m eager to pay forward what I’ve learned and help improve the lives of newcomers, businesses and the community."
- Robin Carlsen, Operations Manager, Welcome Hub Agder
As 2024 draws to a close, we are delighted to reflect on an exceptional year marked by milestones and significant achievements. From advancing key initiatives to strengthening our community, 2024 has been a year of growth and collaboration.
This year, Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) made progress in several areas and we are proud to share some key highlights.
WHA is committed to fully realising the potential of the Welcome Alliance in 2025. Conceptualised by WHA, the alliance aims to help businesses and organisations in Agder overcome fierce competition in attracting and retaining skilled labour.
In order to achieve this goal, the Welcome Alliance will collaborate with businesses to develop and help implement effective solutions to address this challenge.
Amongst the services offered by the Welcome Alliance, is the Open Doors concept which will create more opportunities for businesses and internationals to connect and network.
In addition, the Talent Hub programme will also be further developed to connect more internationals with networks and businesses.
The holiday spirit was in full swing during our julemingling or Christmas mingling event last weekend. Colleagues and internationals gathered to celebrate the season, share stories, and enjoy a traditional Norwegian treat - risgrøt - or rice porridge.
A standout moment was the traditional porridge game, where Julija Rukanskaite emerged as the lucky winner of a gift, after discovering an almond in her bowl. Congratulations, Julija!
As we celebrate the holiday season, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every team member, all of our partners, WHA members, and supporters who contributed to our success in 2024. Your collaboration helps us drive meaningful change.
From all of us at Welcome Hub, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with abundant possibilities and exciting opportunities!
The creation of a Welcome Alliance is one of the key initiatives that can help businesses and organisations in Agder overcome fierce competition in attracting and retaining skilled labour, according to a recent study RECRUIT delivered by NORCE and Agdering.
The study highlights that more than half of those who move to Agder for work leave within four years. This high turnover rate not only disrupts businesses but also undercuts the region's potential for sustainable growth. To tackle this, the Welcome Alliance provides a structured framework for fostering a welcoming culture and creating a supportive, inclusive environment where international workers and their families can thrive.
Spearheaded by Welcome Hub Agder, the Welcome Alliance connects stakeholders across private, public and civil society sectors. It offers resources, connections, and opportunities to align on strategies to address shared challenges. This ecosystem approach ensures that businesses, municipalities, and other partners can pool resources and drive collective impact while meeting their specific needs.
Key services provided through the Welcome Alliance include:
The alliance also supports broader regional goals, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, by helping businesses strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and aligning them with social sustainability priorities.
The Welcome Alliance builds on the region’s strengths by emphasising business buy-in and active participation. Members gain access to talent pipelines, training, and strategic initiatives while contributing through community involvement and financial support. Programmes like Inclusion Excellence Certification and OpenDoors offer measurable ways to showcase inclusivity.
Megan Sommer Strand, CEO at Welcome Hub highlights the importance of collective community efforts.
“This alliance bridges gaps that no single business or individual can address alone. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the Welcome Alliance creates meaningful solutions that make integration smoother and deliver lasting benefits for both businesses and the community."
- Megan Sommer Strand, CEO Welcome Hub Agder
In addition to the Welcome Alliance, the study also calls for,
By committing to these initiatives and working across sectors, Agder can transform its challenges into opportunities, positioning itself as a leading destination for talent from Norway and beyond. The Welcome Alliance is not just about welcoming talent—it’s about creating a region where people want to stay, grow, and contribute for the long term.
Welcome Hub Agder’s recent Job Start Course marked a significant milestone by emphasising the importance of mental well-being for international job seekers. For the first time, the course introduced a positive psychology approach to reframing the job search experience, shifting the narrative from struggle to opportunity.
The inclusion of well-being as a key theme reflects the growing recognition that the job search journey is not just a professional endeavour but also a deeply personal one. Through the lens of positive psychology, participants were encouraged to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to prioritise flourishing in all aspects of life.
This transformative perspective highlights that life is about thriving, not merely enduring, according to Life and Business Coach Nora Clarke from Mindset Therapy and Coaching Kristiansand, who presented on the topic at the course.
“It empowers individuals to remain resilient, resourceful, and connected, even when faced with challenges. By focusing on holistic well-being, international job seekers can move beyond survival, achieving not just professional success but also a fulfilling life in the country they now call home.”
- Life and Business Coach, Nora Clarke
A positive psychology approach is built on thriving in key domains of life encapsulated in the PERMA model.
| P – Positive Emotions: Cultivating positive emotions because they enhance resilience , foster motivation and improve mental health. E – Engagement: Immersing oneself fully in meaningful activities such as hobbies or volunteer work can provide a sense of fulfilment. R – Relationships: Building strong social connections, both personally and professionally, to create a sense of belonging. M – Meaning: Pursuing a sense of purpose through one’s work, a social or political cause, a creative endeavour or a religious/spiritual belief. A – Accomplishment: Setting and achieving goals that provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. |
The success of this course was made possible through the collaboration of dedicated partners who came together to curate a programme tailored to the unique needs of international job seekers. Their contributions ensured a comprehensive and supportive experience for all participants. So far, 30% of participants have successfully secured a job after completing the course.
As part of this year’s course, a Job Start Special presentation was held to explore the possibilities of entrepreneurship in Norway. The crash course focused on developing a business idea, the importance of identifying the customer and following through with an action plan. This addition reflects the course’s commitment to fostering a diverse range of pathways for success. e of pathways for success.
Welcome Hub extends our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and participants who contributed to yet another successful programme, reaffirming the shared goal of creating a thriving community for all participants.
In partnership with TEDxArendal and its collaborators, Welcome Hub Agder transformed the backyard of Torvgata 7 into a vibrant space for connection and self-reflection on November 1st. This open-door event, inspired by TEDxArendal’s 2024 theme of Open Doors, encouraged guests to embrace new experiences, meet new people, and explore unfamiliar spaces.
At Welcome Hub Agder, fostering inclusion and building community are at the heart of what we do. Together with TEDxArendal partners, we created a warm, inviting atmosphere that challenged visitors to step out of their comfort zones—both figuratively and literally—by engaging in activities designed to reveal their true fears and push personal boundaries.
This collaborative effort, involving volunteers and partners from diverse backgrounds,
fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment.
One such volunteer, Karolina Struczewska, a recent newcomer from Poland, was thrilled to be part of this event. Having moved to Arendal earlier this year, Karolina was eager to meet new people and build meaningful connections.
"This experience gave me so much. I met new people, contributed to a meaningful cause, and felt a strong sense of belonging. It reinforced my desire to stay engaged and involved in the local community, and share my skills and passion.”
- Karolina Struczewska, a volunteer at Open Doors at Welcome Hub's backyard.
Karolina believes the Open Doors idea is incredibly important and should be discussed in the public arena.
“Both Norwegians and foreigners need to open doors for one another. As a newcomer, I deeply respect Norwegian culture and traditions. However, I find it challenging to fully integrate and become part of this wonderful society. This is why I believe the Open Doors concept is so necessary—it encourages mutual understanding and connection, which benefits everyone,“ she said.
Her sentiments align closely with those highlighted in Welcome Hub's CEO, Megan Sommer Strand's TEDx talk, where she explored how small acts can start with a simple welcome.
Welcome Hub Agder will continue to champion the Open Doors concept in 2025 and is committed to creating more opportunities for meaningful connections and personal growth. Are you ready to open your heart and mind to new possibilities?
