Mentoring

Mentoring is a dynamic one-to-one relationship in which a more experienced or knowledgeable person provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person. Establishing a supportive relationship with an experienced mentor provides the mentee with insides into which potential approaches to their own career may turn out to be helpful – and which ones harmful – and to bring them into contact with important professional partners. This guidance often involves sharing knowledge, giving constructive feedback, offering advice, and helping the mentee navigate challenges and opportunities. In confidential conversations, mentee and mentor share both positive and negative experiences in order to avoid stumbling blocks and prepare for their future careers. It focuses on personal and professional development and aims to foster the mentee's development, enhance their skills and confidence, and empower them to achieve their full potential.

How does it work?

• Mentor-Mentee Matching: We place great importance on precise matching of mentors and mentees, considering both career goals and personal interests and needs. We do not work with a pool of mentors but rely on your active help. You are the expert in your scientific field and know the environment better than we do. Together we will look for a suitable person who can support you on your path. If you would like to start a mentoring tandem, please fill out this form. We will then get in touch with you and have a personal matching discussion with you to find the best possible mentor for you.

• Mentoring Agreement: Together, the mentor and mentee draft a mentoring agreement outlining goals, expectations, and the frequency of meetings. They agree to maintain confidentiality with each other so that discussions can take place without dependencies and conflicts.

• Regular Meetings: Mentors and mentees meet regularly to set goals, discuss progress, and address challenges. You will usually meet your mentor 4-6 times during the agreed mentoring phase. You can choose between a term of 6, 12 and 18 months, depending on your needs and the phase you are currently in. We will provide you with some checklists and assistance to guide you through the mentoring process. If you have any questions or difficulties, you can contact the program management at any time.

• Final Meeting: At the end of the mentoring phase, a final meeting is held to reflect on achievements and discuss future steps. Both parties evaluate the program to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Meanwhile, we also establish a peer mentoring (group mentoring). This form of mentoring can be taken without external mentors. The group consists only of the mentees who have previously learned different techniques of peer mentoring. All mentees can participate in this mentoring regardless of their career phase.