Testimonials about the Mentoring Program
Impressions
Photo: UHH
Farewell to the fifth Female Mentoring cohort at Rothenbaumchaussee 19: Group photo of mentees and mentors
Photo: UHH
Mentees engaging in peer exchange
Photo: UHH/Ritter
A mentee and her mentor from the previous round of the mentoring program
Photo: UHH
“Transfer and Table Talks” with mentees and mentors for the founding of the Female Mentee Network, 04/2024
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Closing event of the previous mentoring program: Group photo of mentees and mentors at Rothenbaumchaussee 19
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Mentees and mentors at an event held as part of the mentoring program
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Mentees at an event held as part of the mentoring program
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Mentees engaging in peer exchange
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Mentees engaging in peer exchange
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Event at Rothenbaumchaussee 19 (Transfer Agency of the University of Hamburg)
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Group project with mentees and mentors
Photo: UHH/Ritter
Closing event of the previous mentoring program (from left to right): A mentor with her mentee, and the program director, Dr. Dorothea Ritter
The Mentees
For mentoring to be successful, mentees are expected to take an active role in shaping the mentoring relationship. Their responsibilities include coordinating meetings, developing topics and questions, and learning to express their goals and expectations. In addition, close collaboration with the project office is expected. This includes providing proactive, ongoing feedback to help ensure proper support and evaluation of the mentoring process.
Mentees also have the opportunity to actively expand their professional networks. To support this, all mentees are encouraged to jointly organize a smaller group “project” that facilitates career entry. The mentee group independently decides on the content and scope of the project. Examples include a regular meetup, an event on a specific topic, or a planned company visit. The project office can support these initiatives by connecting the group with additional partners if needed.
Mentee Testimonials
Mentee (B.Sc. BWL)
"From the mentoring program, I hope to receive advice from my mentor on specific work situations and benefit from her many years of experience. I’ve already had initial meetings with my mentor and some fellow mentees, which went very well, and I’m looking forward to the collaboration!"
Mentee (B.A. Kunstgeschichte)
"I have a Master’s degree in Psychology, am now studying Art History, and I’m also an actress. I hope to find a niche with the help of my mentor where I can be creative and apply my psychological knowledge. So far, we’ve gotten along wonderfully."
Mentee (M.A. Mehrsprachigkeit und Bildung - MOTION)
"Since I have many interests and ideas for my professional future, I hope to have a meaningful exchange with my mentor and gain some clarity and direction. I’m very excited and really looking forward to the coming year with the mentee group and my mentor."
Mentee (M.Sc. Molecular Life Sciences)
"During my studies, I mainly gained practical experience in academic research in the lab, and I’m now looking to broaden my career perspectives through the mentoring program."
Mentee (B.Sc. Mensch-Computer-Interaktion)
"After completing an interdisciplinary degree, I’m now looking for a work environment where I can combine scientific thinking with creativity and culture. What I’m especially looking forward to in the mentoring program are new insights and perspectives that will support my professional growth and open up new paths for me."
Mentee (M.A. Mehrsprachigkeit und Bildung - MOTION)
"I would like to work in youth education in the future and use the mentoring program to gain a clearer understanding of my goals and opportunities."
Mentee (M.A. Arbeit, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft - Ökonomische und Soziologische Studien)
"Through participating in the mentoring program and engaging with my mentor, I hope to develop ideas for my career path, gain new impulses, better understand my own strengths, and build new connections. The first conversation with my mentor was very inspiring, and I’m looking forward to our continued exchange."
Mentee (B.Sc. Informatik)
"Participating in the mentoring program means having the opportunity to sit down with an experienced professional and benefit from their knowledge and expertise. Shortly after completing my degree, I find myself at a crossroads between two different career paths. Through the mentoring program, I hope to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges each path presents. I’m grateful for the support and insights the program provides."
Past Mentee (M.Sc. Kosmetikwissenschaften)
"The program supported me in the transition from university to working in industry, which, especially as a foreigner, gave me the comforting feeling that I wasn’t alone in facing challenges. It offers not only guidance in building one’s career, but also, through the exchange with other mentees, I learned how many opportunities there are for women."
Past Mentee (M.A Religionen, Dialog und Bildung)
"The mentoring came at exactly the right time for me, as it gave me motivation and fresh impulses. Even the intensive selection and feedback discussions gave me a positive boost and led me to reflect more deeply on my personal goals and obstacles. With the mentor assigned to me, I was able to work through and advance my topics related to completing my studies, starting a career, and personal development. This was made possible in large part by the mentor’s thoughtful and appreciative approach. The regular exchange within the mentee group also proved to be very helpful and positively supported and rounded off the entire process."
Past Mentee (M.A. Koreanistik)
"The mentoring program helped me immensely in many ways during the phase after graduating — not only through the dedicated support of a fantastic mentor, but just as much through the regular meetings and events with the other mentees and the support from the team. For me, it also meant having a sense of stability and a safe space where each of us could openly share our fears and challenges. At the same time, we learned from each other's strengths and progress — and celebrated them — which is not something that can be taken for granted."
Past Mentee (M.A. Politikwissenschaften)
"The (first) meeting went very well. My mentor and I spoke for about 2.5 hours. I was deeply impressed by her openness and the experiences she shared."
The Mentors
The mentors are accomplished and experienced professionals from business, academia, public administration, or the non-profit sector. Through their voluntary commitment and personal interest, they aim to support women in entering the workforce and advancing their careers by sharing their professional and personal experience.
Mentors operate independently of the university or the mentee’s workplace. This allows them to act as neutral, external conversation partners who can engage with the mentee free from institutional obligations or personal ties. In doing so, they offer mentees the opportunity to gain insights into different corporate cultures and strategies. Additionally, mentees benefit from a practice-oriented perspective that is independent of their family, friends, or academic environment.
Mentor Testimonials
Mentor: Monika Schneider (Head of Global Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs)
"The first collaboration with my mentee was a lot of fun – she is very open and curious. We’ve already worked on her résumé and prepared for an interview together, which apparently went really well – the final feedback is still pending, but it’s already a success that she came out of it with a positive feeling and a sense of improvement. I’m really enjoying the experience myself, especially because she speaks so openly about the differences between the various cultures she grew up in and now lives in."
Mentor: Julia Neumann (Team Leader, Personnel Marketing)
"The conversation with my mentee was great. She’s a refreshing person and, in my view, a perfect candidate for a mentoring program. I’m curious to see how things will develop. I have the feeling she’s going to find her way, and I’m happy to support her along the journey. She’s now facing a few important decisions, so I completely understand her wish for more frequent contact. That’s absolutely fine with me."
Mentor: Ulrike Janus (Head of Human Resources)
"And so I hope to offer my mentee inspiration, questions, and food for thought. I find our relationship to be very open and based on trust, and the first three meetings have been very successful. We’ll continue soon, and she will also be visiting me at our company."