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Mentoring and Mentoring Programs for Doctoral Studies

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Mentoring for doctoral researchers – what exactly is it?

Mentoring for doctoral researchers is a process in which experienced scientists (mentors) support doctoral researchers (mentees) in their academic, professional, and personal development.

General aspects of doctoral studies can play a role here, such as time management and structuring or networking in academia. However, specific topics may also be important, such as career development, mental health and crises, background (first-generation doctoral candidates, international doctoral candidates) or one's own role, including understanding of one's role (female/female-identified doctoral candidates, doctoral candidates with children/caregiving responsibilities, or other dimensions of diversity).

How long does it take? A mentoring process is initially designed to last six months. Beyond that, mentoring can be continued in agreement with the mentor.

How does it work? On this page, you can find out about the opportunities we offer. If you would like to take advantage of mentoring, register as a mentee (information for mentors can be found below). Fill out a form with various information and select your needs. Based on your registration form, we will find the right mentor for you and then contact you to discuss the next steps. As a mentee, you plan and organize the mentoring sessions according to your needs and availability.

What programs are available? We offer special mentoring programs for people who are the first in their families to pursue a doctorate (first-generation doctoral candidates) and for female doctoral candidates. Mentors and support options are also available for general mentoring.

Any questions? You can find our contact details here.

Mentoring Program for First Generation Doctoral Researchers

Are you the first person in your family to pursue a doctoral degree? Then this program is ideal for you!

Here, you will receive support from mentors who themselves come from non-academic family backgrounds.

Topics covered in the mentoring sessions may include:

  • Planning and completing your doctoral studies
  • Questions and problems related to doctoral studies
  • Dealing with feelings of alienation in a scientific/academic environment
  • Career opportunities and development

Register directly as a mentee and also benefit from accompanying workshops on mentoring, healthy doctoral studies, and self- and career development.

Mentoring Program for Female Doctoral Researchers

Are you a female doctoral student in our department and would like to be mentored by a female mentor? Then this program is right for you!

Here you will receive support from a mentor who has already successfully completed her doctorate and would like to share her experiences with you.

Topics for mentoring discussions may include:

  • My role as a woman in science
  • Obstacles and opportunities for further development
  • Visibility and network(ing)

Register directly as a mentee and also benefit from accompanying workshops on mentoring, healthy doctoral studies, and self- and career development.

General Mentoring for Doctoral Researchers

Are you pursuing a doctorate at our department, seeking support, but unable to find what you need in the specific mentoring programs?

No problem! In addition to the two programs, we offer general mentoring that can also cover specific topics.

Topics covered by general mentoring may include:

  • General aspects of doctoral studies (How can I best organize my work? How can I plan and conduct productive discussions with my supervisor? How can I successfully begin the writing process? and much more)
  • Working in interdisciplinary teams
  • Internationality / Intercultural aspects
  • Networking / Career
  • Parenting / Caregiving during doctoral studies

If you are interested in general mentoring, please register directly as a mentee. You can also participate in the open workshop program. We look forward to receiving your registration!

Want to become a mentor?

Have you completed your doctoral studies and would like to share your experiences with other doctoral candidates?

Perhaps you have already had positive experiences with mentoring and would like to share them with people who are still working on their doctorates?

You do not need any additional training or prior experience in mentoring to become a mentor. Your own doctoral studies have already equipped you with everything you need!

We are looking for mentors for various target groups, including specifically female doctoral candidates or doctoral candidates who are the first in their family to study and are now pursuing a doctorate (first-generation students). However, you can also share your experiences in completing your doctorate, in searching for a new job after your doctoral studies, as a parent, or as an international scientist with our mentees.

In order to better assess the amount of effort involved in the work of a mentor, here is some additional information:

  • The time commitment for the meetings is approximately 1-2 hours per month.
  • The responsibility for organizing the meetings lies with the mentees.
  • The participation as a mentor is also possible exclusively online.
  • If necessary, there are opportunities for exchange among mentors and/or with the Graduate Center.

Have we sparked your interest? Then register as a mentor now.