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What kinds of companies are looking for international growth talent through Grow Global?
Applications from dozens of companies show demand for internationally experienced professionals aged 55+ across industry, technology, food production and services.
A diverse group of Estonian manufacturers, technology companies, consumer brands and professional service providers has applied to Grow Global. They share one goal: growing internationally with an experienced person who can build lasting business relationships.
- Real export opportunities across varied sectors. Estonian companies in manufacturing, technology, food, consumer goods, logistics and professional services have joined Grow Global to expand internationally.
- Your experience is the advantage. Companies value maturity, patience, international exposure and the ability to build lasting customer relationships — not only a conventional export-sales background.
- A supported route into a concrete role. The free five-month online programme in English includes five modules, international trainers and personal mentoring. At the online job fair on 8–9 October, you will meet exporting companies in short introductory meetings.
If you are considering Grow Global, your first question may be practical: what kind of company and challenge could suit me? Dozens of Estonian companies have applied to the programme. These are not final matches yet, but their applications offer a clear picture of the experience businesses are seeking.
From manufacturing to software
The group ranges from owner-led microbusinesses and growing small companies to larger industrial businesses. It includes industrial and metal production, wood and furniture manufacturing, food production, consumer goods, natural cosmetics, software and digital services, architecture and business advisory, logistics and international services.
Their offerings range from food, consumer goods and interior products to industrial equipment, software platforms and complex professional services. Many already export, while others are preparing their first systematic move into a new market.
What are companies looking for?
Most companies are looking for export-sales capability. Many need support in international client development, while some specifically identify business development. This is not simply about making cold calls. Companies value the ability to build trust, understand a customer’s needs, negotiate, sustain a relationship and turn a first conversation into business.
- Manufacturers may need help identifying distributors or industrial customers, mapping a market and explaining a technical value proposition.
- Food and consumer brands may focus on retail chains, distributors, HoReCa partners or sales channels in a new country.
- Technology and service companies need people who can understand a client’s business problem, guide a longer sales process and build international partnerships.
- Creative and professional services benefit from networks, presentation skills, project management and the ability to make a strong portfolio relevant to a new market.
Companies require good English. They most often value experience in export sales, international client work, relationship management and negotiation. Digital tools, AI and project-based ways of working also matter.
Why life experience can be an advantage
International business requires patience. Not every contact replies immediately, not every meeting becomes an order, and every market has its own way of communicating. Someone who has led teams, managed change, handled difficult negotiations or worked across cultures can often maintain perspective when results take time.
Companies value maturity, patience and international experience — exactly the qualities needed to build new business relationships.
Grow Global does not require candidates to have held the exact job title “export sales manager”. What matters is international living, working or study experience, good English, a willingness to learn and the motivation to apply existing experience in a new role.
Five months of learning around a real company challenge
Selected candidates join a free five-month online programme in English together with a Ukrainian group. It includes five modules, international trainers and personal mentoring. Learning is applied to a real context: each candidate is prepared around a specific company’s needs, target markets and business objectives.
Your existing experience is connected to a concrete role and the real export needs of a specific company.
Meet companies at the online job fair
The online job fair on 8–9 October offers short introductory meetings with participating Estonian companies. A meeting does not guarantee employment, but it allows both sides to assess whether the experience, assignment and expectations fit.
Could this be your next step?
If you are 55 or older, currently unemployed, confident working in English and have international living, work or study experience, apply now. Apply to the programme and read more about Grow Global.