EU Mentoring Programme

Connecting Students to Alumni

If you are considering a career in the EU and would like to gain a better understanding of it, this programme is for you! The EU Mentoring Programme has been created with the aim of connecting Hertie students with alumni working in EU institutions and the broader field of European policymaking. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand insights into how the European Union works and to learn from the experiences of professionals in the field. At the same time, it enables alumni to reconnect with the Hertie community and support the next generation of Europeans as they pursue their career goals. 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.

Timeline

Length:
1 academic year (October-May)

Application deadline for the academic year 2026/2027:
Candidates should submit a short online form by 5 October 2026.

Outline

The mentor-mentee pairs will be announced in 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.

  • 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.

    Time and effort dedicated to the programme depends on the mentor-mentee pairs, but a minimum of four 1-hour sessions (in person or online) is recommended.

  • All MPP/MIA/MDS Hertie students are eligible to apply to partake in the EU Mentoring Programme, regardless of 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.

    Interested applicants should fill out an application form. Please add your reason for applying to the programme and briefly outline your specific policy interests, including the EU sectors where you would like to develop your careers. Based on these responses, we will do our best to match up students with mentors who work in their interest areas.

  • Applicants interested in becoming mentors need to fulfil the following criteria: 

    • be a Hertie alumni or have a close connection to the Hertie School or the Jacques Delors Centre (e.g. instructors, fellows, members of the advisory board)

    • 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.