Details about Mentoring&programm

Eligible to apply are female students in the final phase of their studies (from the 5th semester of a Bachelor's program or from the 3rd semester of a Master's program) as well as graduates who completed their studies no more than one year ago and are currently in the transition from university to professional life.

The program is aimed at individuals with a registered gender entry “w” (cis and trans). The mentoring is aligned with the diversity principles of the University of Hamburg and seeks to reach out to and empower talents in all their variety and individuality. It aims to provide inspiration and support for successful transitions from academia to professional careers.

We therefore especially welcome applications from students and graduates of diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and origins, who reflect the broad spectrum of life paths at the University of Hamburg.

Mentoring focuses on the individual professional and personal development of the mentee. It refers to an intergenerational, supportive learning relationship between two people with different levels of experience and subject expertise. Key characteristics of this relationship include mutual voluntariness, the mentor’s voluntary commitment, and a high degree of confidentiality within defined parameters.

Mentoring is a proven and effective tool for career development, especially during the transition from university to the workforce. Within the broad spectrum of career and talent development initiatives at universities, mentoring programs are gaining increasing attention.

Until 2018, the University of Hamburg was a leader in offering innovative mentoring programs for women during various transitional career phases through its Expert Advisory Network/Mentoring. Since 2019, a specifically diversity-oriented program has been offered under the umbrella of the UHH Career Center, drawing on research findings and experience from earlier programs and further developing them within the context of a "diversity climate."

The goal of the mentoring program is to improve the career entry opportunities of female students and graduates from diverse backgrounds by providing individualized support from experienced professionals. These mentors guide mentees on their path to securing their first job. The varied educational and personal backgrounds of the mentees are seen as an asset and a source of expanded perspectives within an active, interdisciplinary network of mentees and mentors.

By bringing together a diverse group of mentees, the program also aims to help reduce social inequality in terms of access to career opportunities, particularly for those facing multiple challenges. The personal, dialogue-based exchange with other or new female role models is intended to inspire and broaden perspectives, while also promoting a culture of engagement.

Applications are now open and will be processed in the order they are received until July 30, 2025, during the summer semester.

The application form is available for download as a PDF.

Experiences from mentors and former mentees, as well as information about the roles of both sides in the mentoring program, can be found on the Testimonials page.