Freie Universität is the first higher education institution in Berlin to supplement the financial support provided by the Deutschlandstipendium with intellectual support as well. The university has offered a mentoring program for scholarship recipients since the start of the funding program. Working within a 9-months tandem arrangement, students receive support for the transition from studying to working life and help with their academic and career planning.

Opportunities for mentees

Through dialogue with a person who has professional experience, students receive the following:

• Support in aligning their study programs and career planning
• Development of concrete goals and strategies for their own life paths
• Identification of their own skills and abilities
• A chance to get to know structures and processes in working life

For further information on the benefits of being a mentee and on how to become one, please click here.

Benefits for mentors

The program offers various opportunities for mentors:

• Reflecting on their own abilities and professional careers
• Strengthening management and advising skills through new impetus, fresh perspectives, and feedback from students
• Sharing experiences with students
• Forging ties and engaging in dialogue with the younger generation and other mentors
• Participating in individual support for junior talent and in sharing of knowledge and experience

General conditions

Mentoring tandems are required to meet in person at least three times within a 9 months period. In addition, further contact can take place by e-mail, Skype, or phone. Additional meetings are also possible, of course. Meetings are arranged individually between the tandem partners.

The current mentoring cycle will start in May 2024 and run through January 2025.

Contact

Please contact the Deutschlandstipendium Office at deutschlandstipendium@fu-berlin.de if you have any questions about the mentoring program or would like to register as a mentor.