”Ask all the silly questions” – Kingson Mattu named Mentee of the Year

With a genuine thirst for knowledge, an open mind and exceptional drive, Kingson Mattu has embraced every opportunity presented to him through Mitt Liv’s mentoring program. Originally from Bangladesh and now based in Gothenburg, Kingson’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination and proactive learning. For his outstanding dedication and progress, he is named Mentee of the Year.

A surprising and affirming moment

Kingson recalls the moment he received the email: “I was quite surprised. I wasn’t expecting it at all. But when I realised it was real, it felt really good. It made me feel like – OK, maybe I do have potential.”

Having recently graduated with a Master’s in Environmental Science from the University of Gothenburg, Kingson joined the program in 2024 during a challenging phase of job searching. He came across Mitt Liv’s mentoring initiative through social media, and although unfamiliar with the organisation at first, he quickly recognised the value of the opportunity.

Finding guidance in a new country

Searching for your first job in a new country can be tough – something Kingson experienced first-hand. Despite applying broadly, responses were few and opportunities hard to come by. That’s when the support from his mentor became a key source of guidance and motivation.

“She helped me find my niche. I had no idea what CSRD or CSDDD was – these terms didn’t even come up during my studies. But my mentor worked in sustainability and started introducing me to real-world tools and trends.”

The mentorship was structured and intentional. Kingson received assignments and clear feedback, which helped him refine his CV, learn about Swedish professional norms, and identify how he could contribute in his field. “She challenged me to reach out to people just to learn. That mindset – approaching people with curiosity rather than a need – really opened doors.”

That advice led to an internship with a startup company, Parilo AB, where Kingson not only contributed meaningfully but also formed a lasting professional and personal connection. Today, he continues to gain valuable experience in the sustainability field.

The power of being proactive

Throughout the program, Kingson maximised every resource available to him. One of the program’s learning tools introduced him to Swedish workplace expectations – something he found especially helpful when navigating his first professional experience.

He also connected with fellow mentees to form a support group that continues to share job leads and insights. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to stay open to how things work in a new context,” Kingson shares. “There are differences, of course – but being willing to learn really helps. That mindset has made a big difference for me.”

Advice for future mentees

To those considering joining the mentoring program, Kingson offers honest and encouraging advice:

“Understand that this is your journey. Your mentor is there to guide you, but you are the one who has to act. Ask every silly question. Be curious. Learn the culture, learn fika, learn Swedish – and be kind. Build relationships, not just your CV.”

His final message is about solidarity. “Everyone’s facing challenges. So help each other out. If you’re good at CVs, help someone else. If you’re good at photography, help with a LinkedIn photo. That’s how we grow – by lifting each other.”