The EU Mentorship Programme has been created with the aim of connecting Hertie students with alumni working in the EU sector in the framework of a mentoring scheme. It offers an opportunity for interested students to gain an insight into the workings of EU institutions and for alumni to reconnect with their Hertie community. If you are considering a career in the EU and would like to gain a better understanding of it, this programme is for you! Whilst the programme offers guidance and assistance along the journey, it is up to the mentor-mentee pairs to make the most out of this opportunity.
The EU Mentorship Programme in a nutshell
- Length: 1 academic year (Oct 2023 – May 2024)
- Eligibility: All MPP/MIA/MDS Hertie students depending on capacity (students with demonstrated interest in the EU will be prioritised)
- Application: Candidates should submit a short online form
- Commitment: Time and effort dedicated to the programme depends on the mentor-mentee pairs, but a minimum of four 1-hour sessions are recommended
- Meetings can take place either in person or online (e.g. Skype/ Zoom)
- Additional one-off events related to careers in the EU and on Europe
- An opportunity to gain an insight into work conducted on Europe at the national and international level, discover more about the various institutions of the EU, learn from each other’s experience, and offer advice, support and guidance where helpful
Eligibility and Application
All MPP/MIA/MDS Hertie students are eligible to apply to partake in the EU Mentorship Programme, regardless of degree programme or year of study. However, there will be limited capacity depending on the number of alumni who sign up to be mentors. Students with a demonstrated interest in the EU will be given priority – particularly those doing the EU Governance concentration.
Applicants interested in becoming mentors need to fulfil the following criteria: 1) be Hertie alumni or have a close connection to Hertie/ the Jacques Delors Centre (e.g. instructors, fellows, members of the advisory board); 2) be employed by an EU institution; have worked for the EU for a substantial period of time; or have worked for an institution (think tanks, public affairs, national ministries etc.) in close cooperation with the EU. Mentors can take up to two mentees, depending on the time and commitment they would like to invest in the programme.
Interested applicants should fill out an application form. Please find the link to these on the right-hand side by clicking on “Apply here!”. Students should detail their reason for applying to the programme and briefly outline their specific policy interests, including the EU sectors where they would like to develop their careers. Based on these responses, we will do our best to match up students with mentors who work in their interest areas.
Roles and Responsibilities
As the EU Mentoring Programme functions on a voluntary basis, it is crucial that both sides establish a professional and reliable relationship to achieve a successful outcome. Students should be the driving force during the mentoring process, should respect the mentor’s time and perspective, and should provide guidelines of how the mentor can best meet the student’s personal needs, goals and interests. Students should also organise and prepare for meetings, using talking points and questions. Mentors should give the student room to explore their interests, provide reasonable time and advice, and encourage proactivity and honest feedback.
Outline of the Programme
The mentor-mentee pairs will be announced in early October. There will be a kick-off reception around this time to introduce the participants to one another. After, the pairs will be expected to arrange their meetings independently. These meetings can be face-to-face or online. We recommend a minimum of four 1-hour sessions, but if found useful, more frequent meet-ups are encouraged. When scheduling sessions, please keep in mind both the mentor’s and the mentee’s schedule and note that students’ workload tends to get heavier towards the end of the semester and around exams.
In addition to the one-on-one sessions, the JDC will offer additional events related to careers in the EU throughout the year. Please keep an eye out for these.