MINToring - the mentoring scheme for STEM students in Thuringia
"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." Aristotle
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a flexible instrument of support for young talent that can cater to a wide range of different needs. It bridges the gap between professional excellence and individual empowerment.In traditional mentoring, someone with experience (the mentor) shares their professional knowledge, experience, judgement, networking skills and contacts with someone with less experience (the mentee).
The aim of the mentoring scheme is to promote and strengthen the personal development and skills of Thuringian STEM students in the following areas:
- personal development (e.g. improving communication skills, time and self-management strategies)
- professional development (e.g. identifying career opportunities, preparing for job applications and interviews)
- improving academic performance (e.g. developing individual learning strategies)
- general support in overcoming and coping with challenges (e.g. stress management, self-efficacy and resilience)
- establishing networks (e.g. contacts and career prospects in the STEM sector)
How does the mentoring scheme work?
To apply as a mentee or mentor, fill out the profile form and send it to us by email by 27 October 2023 at the latest. Based on the information you provide, we will match suitable mentee/mentor pairs. During an informal initial meeting, the participants agree on the format, focus and means of communication they prefer for the mentoring scheme.
Due to the one-to-one mentoring approach, the mentee and mentor have an exclusive mentoring relationship. During the course of the two semesters, you will remain in direct contact and arrange individual meetings.
The mentoring is also underpinned by a support program made up of events and a variety of workshops.
Kick-off session
The mentoring program is officially launched with a kick-off event at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt.
This gives the ‘tandems’ - mentor and mentee - the opportunity to meet for the first time and get to know each other. You will be given an introduction to the project, a briefing on the roles of the mentor and mentee as well as lots of important information on the project process and dates for the Stammtisch, seminars and workshops.
Seminars and workshops
During the mentoring period, we offer a range of top-quality seminars and workshops. The seminars are designed to help you expand and develop your own key competences (time management, rhetoric and communication skills, stress management, etc.).
Closing event
At the end of the mentoring process, all of the mentees and mentors meet to review their experiences. This involves reflecting on individual development and learning outcomes and sharing lessons learnt with the other participants.
Who can be a mentee?
All STEM students on Bachelor's and Master's programs at Thuringian universities involved in the project (ProTELC) can take part in the mentoring scheme. As a mentee, you should be motivated to further your professional and personal development and be an active participant in the mentoring scheme.
How can you benefit?
- Personal growth: You will have the opportunity to work on your personal development, improve self-awareness and build self-confidence.
- Learn from experience: Through your mentor, you have access to valuable knowledge and can benefit from their experience.
- Career development: Mentoring can help you to clearly define your goals, develop strategies, overcome obstacles and guide you in your professional development.
- Build a network: Mentoring offers you the chance to forge useful contacts. Mentors can introduce you to existing networks and make it easier for you to access important resources.
- Motivation and support: Through mentoring, you will receive committed and trustworthy support that will encourage and motivate you and can help you deal with personal challenges.
To supplement the mentoring scheme, we also offer a range of workshops and networking events.
Students who take part in the scheme receive a certificate of participation.
Who can be a mentor?
Are you a professor or research assistant at a Thuringian university? Do you work in a business in Thuringia? Are you a student or alumnus of a STEM degree program? And are you keen on sharing your knowledge and experience with students? If so, we look forward to receiving your application!
How can you benefit?
- Training in social and communication skills
- Insight into the coaching process
- Fresh impetus and ideas
- Opportunity for reflection based on feedback from your mentee
- Share experience and knowledge
- Insight into current developments at the university
- Expand your own network by forging contacts with the other mentors and their networks
As a mentor, you will be part of the Thuringian mentoring network and benefit from further training opportunities and networking events.