- News
Wanted: High-skill refugees/migrants looking to work in their professional fields
06.03.2025 The Hack Integration project aims to help high-skill refugees and migrants improve their chances of entering their trained occupations by attending hackathons-events where they can demonstrate their skills and network within their professional communities. To this end, we are looking for high-skill refugees and migrants interested in attending hackathons.
The most important facts in brief
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The “Hack Integration” project supports highly qualified refugees and migrants in improving their career opportunities by participating in hackathons and networking with colleagues and potential employers.
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Skills are required in areas such as IT, data analysis, business, design and other specialised fields.
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Interested refugees and migrants can register for hackathons via the Hackfinder tool, receive partial reimbursement of travel expenses and take part in a scientific study.
Unemployment is low in many sectors and the demand for skilled labour is high but highly qualified refugees and migrants tend to find jobs far below their qualifications. The reason for this is not only the recognition of foreign qualifications but also scepticism regarding foreign training and experience.
At hackathons refugees/migrants can work directly with their professional colleagues and potential future employers — improving their professional networks, knowledge of their field in Switzerland, and ultimately their chances of finding a suitable job.
There are open hackathons, for which all interested parties can register, and hackathons that are organised within private companies. Hackathon participation usually about two days, and includes project work, talks and activities, catering and prizes. Typically, hackathons look for participants in core fields like IT, data analysis, business, and design, but many events also seek professionals from other fields like urban planning, education, environmental science, healthcare, social work, and agriculture.
Refugees/Migrants who would like to take part, should …
- use the hackfinder tool to find an appropriate hackathon.
- register for the study.
- register directly for open hackathons.
- If you choose the private corporate hackathon option during registration, we will contact you and discuss additional formalities.
After your registration…
- you will receive a personalized link through which you can upload proof of event registration and enter your banking details to receive CHF 20 (for your travel expenses)
- you answer a short survey.
After participating in the hackathon…
- you answer a second short survey.
The surveys you answer will be anonymised and scientifically evaluated by the Bern University of Applied Sciences and the University of Zurich as part of the ‘Hack Integration’ project.
