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Testimonials

Mentoring works! Be inspired by the experiences and successes of our GROW@Goethe mentees and mentors.

Personal mentoring experiences

  • Meetings

    We met every two weeks, most of the time in person and in two or three cases virtually due to postponements.

    Common objectives

    The mentee raised a relatively large number of points on her own initiative (content, legal questions on possible career orientation - industry, law firm / in-house, Germany / abroad, sensible organization of the traineeship, applications, LinkedIn presence, location analysis and finding out her own professional wishes and the framework conditions) etc.

    Result

    We managed to discuss all the points and talk about them in an open manner. My mentee now has relatively clear ideas about her preferred career start.

    View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentee

    I really enjoyed working with my mentee and I had the impression that my mentee reflected on the discussions and picked up on them at the next meeting. The discussions were also very informative for me, as I no longer have any other contact with students.

  • Meetings

    I mentored three mentees and we met in person twice a month. The meetings always took place as a group, as we jointly determined at the beginning of the mentoring that the content to be discussed by the individual mentees would certainly be relevant for all mentees and that an exchange with each other could be very useful. Individual meetings would have been possible at any time, but were not requested by the mentees. 

    Common objectives

    • We discussed the following topics:
    • What sectors and industries are there? What characterizes each of them?
    • Working in the public sector, with NGOs and foundations
    • Working in start-ups / with medium-sized companies / in large companies
    • Working in national and international companies
    • Departments / work areas - everyday working life & opportunities
    • Self-discovery & profile sharpening - What professional and other skills (communication skills, social skills, etc.) have I acquired during my studies and where can and would I like to apply them on the job market?
    • What does a good CV look like?
    • Applications & job interviews
    • Salaries and salary negotiations
    • Networking - how to


    The aim of the mentoring was to provide the mentees with a deeper understanding of all the points listed. One focus was certainly on self-discovery and sharpening their profile. However, this also goes hand in hand with first gaining an overview of what career opportunities are available and where it is possible to start with the existing skills.

    Result

    As part of the mentoring, the points listed were discussed in detail and linked together. All mentees initially developed a comprehensive understanding of the professional world. Subsequently, all mentees were made aware of the qualities, strengths and interests they bring to the table and where these are in demand on the job market. The mentees gained a better overview of the job market, gained a feeling for their own profile and learned where they can apply this in their professional lives. The mentees' self-confidence and self-assurance with regard to entering professional life was noticeably increased by the mentoring.

    View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentees 

    The cooperation was excellent. Everyone involved was highly reliable and showed a deep interest in all topics. The exchange between them was characterized by empathy and consideration, so that there were always very open discussions from which everyone involved, including the mentor, was able to learn a lot.  

  • Meetings 

    We held our mentoring sessions weekly or every two weeks online. Additionally, there was a valuable opportunity to meet in person at my workplace where the mentee was introduced to my team. This allowed her to gain direct professional experience in a professional environment. 

    Common objectives

    The main objective was to offer advice and recommendations to help the mentee effectively plan her professional future. The focus was on career guidance and providing practical tips and strategies to help her successfully complete her current semester courses. 

    Outcome 

    At the conclusion of our mentoring period, the mentee had successfully completed her term paper and gained a clearer and more realistic view of the world of work. She is now better aligned with a career path that matches her skills and interests. 

    View or assessment of the collaboration with the mentee 

    Despite my subject being different from the one my mentee is studying, I was able to understand her challenges well. We developed a strong mutual understanding and she was very keen to implement the advice given. Her open-mindedness towards counseling has led to tangible progress in her academic and career planning. 

    Additionally, reflecting on my own past experiences to give her better advice was helpful for me as well. It allowed me to recall my strengths and weaknesses. 

  • Meetings

    Regular meetings were held, with an average of 2 meetings per month. The meetings were held digitally. 

    Common objectives

    • The common objectives were developed at the first meeting. These included the following points:
    • General questions about studying in Germany
    • Building a personal network 
    • Feedback on application processes
    • Development of professional skills


    Result

    The collaboration was very productive and appreciative. Various job profiles were discussed and analyzed for professional development. The mentee has already completed several internships in the field of politics.  His goal was also to gain further university experience abroad. To this end, we wrote a letter of application for an English university together. In March, my mentee was admitted to the Erasmus program and will therefore study in England in the winter semester 2024/25. 

    Perspective and assessment of the mentee's collaboration

    My mentee has an impressive CV behind him. He is very goal-oriented and structured in his approach. Due to his personal background, the field of study is ideally chosen. He will certainly be able to broaden his horizons considerably by continuing his university education in England. Both sides are very satisfied with the development of the program. Personally, I wish my mentee all the best for his future career.

  • Meetings

    The meetings took place exclusively in presence at the university. There were about 7 meetings, each lasting 1-1.5 hours. 

    Common objectives

    • Insights into everyday working life
    • Structure of the mentor's profession
    • Organization of everyday life in the profession
    • Job interviews
    • Self-assertion
    • Conflict resolution


    Result

    Goals/topic areas were defined at the beginning. The mentee was given a detailed insight into everyday working life and the structures of the profession, as well as the organization of everyday working life, but in the course of the mentoring, the question of self-organization (deadlines, work-life balance, staying on task, focusing on tasks, working out schedules, etc.) came more into focus, also with a view to the upcoming BA thesis, so the focus was shifted to self-organization and active work was done on methods to strengthen this. In the course of the mentoring, the mentee tried to apply various methods, with success. 

    The topic of job interviews was discussed in detail in one session and explained using examples. Unfortunately, the topic of self-assertion could not be addressed due to the limited time available, but conflict resolution was repeatedly included in some sessions. 

    View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentee

    The collaboration was characterized by a great deal of appreciation, mutual respect and gratitude. An absolute mentoring relationship at eye level, in which a very pleasant working atmosphere was created. Agreed appointments were kept or duly canceled or postponed. Communication with the mentee was absolutely smooth. 

  • Mentee 1:

    Meetings

    1x per month digital (i.e. 6 meetings), during the Christmas vacations also once in presence in Munich

    Common objectives

    • Professional fields outside the university
    • Research or no research
    • Where can I get information about opportunities in industry?
    • Application / CV check
    • Relevance of LinkedIn
    • Doctorate - yes/no
    • Networking in the natural sciences FB
    • Further education opportunities


    Result

    All topics were discussed in detail and I was also able to put my mentee in touch with colleagues from the fields of medicine and market access. The colleagues gave her an overview of the job and career opportunities in these areas.

    Cooperation

    The collaboration was very good, my mentee was open-minded, eager to learn and reliable.


    Mentee 2:

    Meetings

    1x per month digital (i.e. 6 meetings)

      Common objectives

      • Doctorate yes/no
      • Career entry (application phases etc.)
      • (Research) opportunities in the industry
      • Career opportunities and possibilities
      • CV check, cover letter


      Result

      All topics were discussed in detail.

      Cooperation

      The collaboration was very good, my mentee was open-minded, eager to learn and reliable. I am particularly pleased that he would like to act as a mentor later on due to his good experience with the mentoring program and “give back something of what he has received".



      Mentee 3:

      Meetings

      2x per month digital (approx. 10 meetings)

        Common objectives

        • Tips & tricks from professional life for the future
        • Social skills - how do I sell myself as well as possible (direct and written communication)
        • Dealing with difficult people
        • networking
        • CV check, cover letter


        Outcome

        All topics were discussed in detail.

        Cooperation

        The cooperation was very good, the mentee was open-minded, eager to learn and reliable.

      • Meetings

        We met five times in person and three times digitally due to my semester abroad from January 2024. 

        Common objective 

        We set ourselves the goal of going through, reviewing and improving my CV. We also wanted to discuss my studies and my semester abroad in general.

        Result

        We successfully reviewed and improved my CV. We rehearsed a job interview and self-introduction. We also discussed LinkedIn as a platform for professional networking and the extent to which this can be relevant in the context of a job interview or job search. Overall, we mainly talked about starting a career and discussed specific measures for me.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        I really enjoyed the mentoring program. Making appointments was always very straightforward and the discussions were productive, interesting and very exciting. I felt both challenged and supported. I also received new ideas and suggestions regarding my further studies and my semester abroad. I am grateful for the many helpful tips and valuable exchanges.

      • Meetings

        During the program, we met regularly for personal discussions. 

        Common objectives 

        In these meetings, we discussed various topics, such as

        •  Coverage banker job description: my mentor explained her duties and responsibilities as a coverage banker and gave me insights into the daily work routine in a bank.
        •  Career planning: We talked about my career goals and my mentor gave me tips on how to achieve them.
        • Application process: my mentor gave me feedback on my CV and cover letter and prepared me for job interviews.


        Result

        Thanks to the support of my mentor, I got an internship in the legal department of a bank. She gave me valuable tips for my career planning and personal development. Through my mentor, I learned how important it is to build a network and make contacts. She showed me how to better assess my strengths and weaknesses.

        View or assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        I would like to thank my mentor for her support and commitment. I would recommend the mentoring program to any student.

      • Meetings


        My mentor and I only met in person. The meetings took place in restaurants suggested by my mentor and in the office. At the beginning of the mentoring, we agreed that it would make more sense to meet less frequently, i.e. only once a month, and then invest a little more time in specific areas. As a result, I had around two hours during the meetings to devote to the specific topics I suggested in detail together with my mentor. She also made me the “unofficial" offer to accompany me as a mentor beyond the GROW@Goethe mentoring program, which I gratefully accepted, as it is helpful to be accompanied and supported over a longer period of time, especially with regard to long courses of study such as law. 


        Common objectives


        At the beginning of the mentoring, the common goal was to develop my subject-specific areas of interest and a legal specialization. In view of the fact that the end of my studies was approaching and, unlike my fellow students, I didn't yet know exactly “what I wanted to do", the active objective was to shed some light on the darkness. In the past, this lack of direction had led to low levels of motivation and lean periods. 


        Result


        After completing the mentoring program, I have gained many new perspectives, ideas and suggestions and have been able to expand my toolbox: For example, I now have a kind of notebook in which I regularly reflect on my career and record my thoughts on it. Above all, my mentor was able to give me the impulse that an active attitude and critical self-observation with regard to preferred working methods, content and topics is more expedient for the question of professional orientation than passively waiting for inspiration.


        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor


        I always found the collaboration with my mentor to be constructive, lively and inspiring. I felt very comfortable at our meetings because she created an appreciative atmosphere. For example, she offered me the “you” after the first meeting and spoke to me as equals. In particular, she also asked questions so that our conversations were anything but one-sided questioning. My mentor repeatedly offered to help and emphasized that I shouldn't shy away from approaching her with my concerns and wishes.


      • Meetings

        In total, my mentor and I met eight times. Most of the meetings took place digitally, but there were a few where we met in person for a cup of coffee. This number of meetings was enough to discuss all the topics raised at the beginning. We also decided to stay in touch and continue to meet occasionally. 

        Common objectives

        Together we defined the following goals for the mentoring program:

        1. Improving my academic and work performance.
        2. Acquire new knowledge about the German job market and different companies for a more comprehensive insight into the business sector.
        3. Clearer definition of my professional goals through a deeper understanding of my interests.
        4. Increasing self-confidence, developing additional soft skills and overcoming inhibitions when speaking in German at university and in the workplace.
        5. Managing time more effectively to fulfill commitments without delays and stress.
        6. Developing a better understanding of the German mentality to facilitate integration.
        7. Sharing my knowledge and previous experiences with my mentor to be of use to her as well.
        8. Maintaining contact and occasional exchange with my mentor even after completing the program.


        Result

        Over the course of our mentoring, my mentor and I achieved almost all of the goals we initially set. Erna's support extended far beyond academic and professional aspects and became a foundation for my personal and professional growth. Through our inspiring meetings, I was able to significantly boost my self-confidence and am in the process of presenting myself professionally and effectively in the working world. Her insights into positioning myself as a woman with a migrant background in business were particularly valuable. She not only gave me successful strategies to overcome typical obstacles, but also ways to gain recognition and earn respect in a male-dominated industry. Additionally, my mentor gave me a comprehensive insight into the world of consulting, including pros and cons as well as strategic tips for entering this challenging field. Her practical experience and wealth of knowledge not only gave me guidance, but also sparked my enthusiasm for a potential career in consulting. Our collaboration also fostered my ability to think critically and solve complex problems - skills that are invaluable in today's fast-paced business world. The passion and dedication embodied by my mentor motivated me to pursue my goals with determination and determination.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        My experiences with the GROW@Goethe mentoring program have far exceeded my expectations. The support and advice that my mentor has given me in the course of this program has been of great benefit. The insights I gain from this inspiring mentoring partnership contribute significantly to my individual and professional development. It is definitely a good opportunity for students to get to know the professional world, to be able to orient themselves better and to understand their own goals more clearly. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend GROW@Goethe.

        Final quote

        Take the opportunity and take part in GROW@Goethe. It offers valuable support during your studies and can help you to enter the professional world with more composure and efficiency.

      • Meetings

        Presence and approx. 7 meetings

        Common objective

        That I create a professional orientation and plan for my future.

        Result

        I am now certain about my future direction and have been accepted for a Master's degree at my university of choice. This university not only enables me to pursue my professional goals, but also actively supports me on this path and brings me closer to my goal.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor 

        The collaboration with my mentor was both relaxed and constructive. Due to our similarities, we were able to build a strong understanding of each other, which made the collaboration particularly harmonious. Thanks to this strong alignment, her advice was spot on for me and I was able to fully embrace it. She was instrumental in helping me get my Master's place. Even with her own work commitments, she took the time to review my CV at least 100 times and gave me valuable feedback. I always felt that I could count on her help when I needed it. Overall, I was super happy with the program and my mentor and would highly recommend it to anyone.

      • Meetings

        3x presence, 4x online

        Review of the Goethe University Mentoring Program

        As a participant in Goethe University's mentoring program, I had the opportunity to attend several sessions aimed at defining my professional goals, exploring career paths and receiving advice on job applications and professional development. In the following, I would like to share my experiences and impressions of this program.

        Session on October 24, 2023

        The first session began with a warm welcome and a round of introductions, followed by a clarification of the mentee's expectations and goals, as well as the roles and responsibilities of mentor and mentee. It was particularly helpful to create a notion page to document the discussions and set dates. The session topics included analyzing my professional interests and skills, discussing possible career paths and tips on applying for jobs and professional development.

        Session on November 8, 2023

        In this session, we first discussed organizational matters, including the mentoring agreement and the upcoming kick-off event. We also delved deeper into my future plans, such as an internship after the third semester and a semester abroad, as well as current thoughts on a next internship. The discussion about the balance between personal interest and the benefits for my CV was particularly valuable. The opportunity to intern for two days was also discussed and agreed.

        Session on November 23, 2023

        This session was dedicated to getting to know each other personally, which created a pleasant and informal atmosphere that allowed people to get to know each other better and build trust.

        Session on December 12, 2023

        A highlight of the program was the opportunity to intern in Berlin. This gave me a practical insight and deepened my understanding of the industry.

        Session on January 3, 2024

        The last session included a review of my CV and a discussion about next steps for my professional development. The review of my CV was particularly valuable. Overall, the mentoring program at Goethe University was extremely valuable and helped me to define my professional goals, explore career paths and gain valuable insights into the world of work. The personal guidance and professional support from my mentor has helped me feel more confident and better prepared for my future career challenges. I can recommend the Goethe University mentoring program to anyone who wants to advance their professional development.

      • Meetings

        The meetings always take place in person at intervals of two to four weeks, with the exception of the winter break. The meetings, which usually consist of a joint lunch, generally last one hour, while evening meetings, such as at the Christmas market, can last longer.

        Common objectives

        Fortunately, our initial meeting already resulted in common goals for the duration of the mentoring program and beyond. First and foremost, I want to get to know the reality of life and the day-to-day work of an analyst in an investment boutique through joint discussions and constant exchange. At the same time, I should gain well-founded insights that should not only give me orientation in the medium term when looking for suitable internships, but also in the long term when it comes to the question of which specific job profile from the very complex world of investment banking best suits me and my personal strengths. Apart from this, our discussions are also intended to serve as a professional exchange on overlapping topics. One example of this is the topic of compliance and corporate governance, which I dealt with in detail during my internship. The fact that my mentor has an eye for what is actually happening in business practice and what new trends and developments are emerging on the financial and capital markets means that I learn a lot from our discussions.

        Result

        Not only did mentoring benefit me greatly during my last internship thanks to my mentor's great expertise and wealth of experience in compliance, but it also gave me impetus beyond that, which inspired me to apply for further internships. Based on his experience in the industry, my mentor was able to give me a feel for what potential employers should be looking for. Finally, I took his recommendation to look out for and join M&A networks and initiatives. My first internship in investment banking started at the same time as the mentoring ended.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor 

        So far, I have found my mentor to be a very likeable and pleasant person to talk to, who attaches great importance to establishing a conversation at eye level. The very personal tone allows me to ask any questions that are on my mind without restriction. I also very much appreciate the fact that he always goes out of his way to create tangible added value. As he has already successfully completed the phase I am currently going through, his advice and tips give me good pointers. The exchange can continue as before. Overall, I see my mentor both as a source of inspiration who helps me to gradually gain a foothold in the industry and as someone who prevents me from making hasty decisions and pushes back the enormous pressure to perform that I sometimes feel.

      • Meetings

        There were six meetings in total, 2 in person, 4 digital

        Common objectives

        • Insights into professional fields
        • Support with internship applications
        • Exchange regarding studies
        • Focusing on own skills

        Result

        • Better understanding of the private sector, especially consulting
        • Improvement of CV etc. pp.
        • Successful exchange about studies
        • Focus on strengthening skills
        • Schwerpunktsetzung bei der Stärkung der Fähigkeiten


        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor 

        Overall, the collaboration worked really well. We quickly reached a certain level of familiarity. My mentor was very open about his own career and was able to ease some of my worries about my future career choice. Building on this, we defined various focal points in the individual meetings, which we then dealt with in depth. In particular, it turned out that we were able to work out some central aspects of my interests from the multitude of possible focuses. Strengthening my foreign language skills in particular turned out to be the factor that is both most important and most interesting for my future life. Accordingly, I have already registered for several related French courses. Added to this is the fact that I will be spending an Erasmus semester in Brussels in the coming winter semester. My mentor was an important support in this interrelated decision-making process.

      • Meetings


        7 meetings in total during the mentoring period, including 1 online


        Common objectives


        1. development + exchange on LinkedIn


        2. possible networking and networking


        3. advice on CV & application process


        4. insights into the mentor's professional life


        5. orientation in relation to the mentee's professional life 


        Result


        1. ✓ LinkedIn: discussed my profile together & “rules" / dealing with my own LinkedIn presence


        2. ✓ Networking & networking: My mentor invited me to her network and I was able to gain different insights at three events


        3. ✓ Advice on CV & application process: We discussed the structure/content of my CV and possible employers together, and there was also the opportunity to ask my questions during the application process


         4. ✓ Professional life of the mentor: She gave me various insights into her areas of responsibility + insights & tips regarding interactions in the workplace & my own self-presentation/positioning in the profession


        5. ✓ Orientation of the mentee's professional life: I was able to gain first-hand insights into her professional field & benefit from her assessments regarding my skills & the skills required in my desired field


        View or assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        My mentor and I get on well, which I think also helped to build a successful mentoring relationship. Fortunately, my mentor had already had mentoring experience herself & knew what questions to ask & set aside enough time for me. I really appreciated this, as I realized that mentoring is an investment of time for both parties & therefore needs to be well planned. I can recommend making appointments for several dates in advance. My mentor gave me a lot of personal insights & let me participate in her network. I really benefited from this! I was therefore able to take part in additional events and offers that were very relevant to my studies and my interests for future jobs. I was also able to directly apply my new networking skills from the GROW workshop, which was very helpful. My learning: Networking needs to be learned, but this can only be achieved by frequently attending events. As my mentor and I had similar majors, these were great ice-breaker topics to start with.

        Final quote

        I am very happy that I was able to be a mentee at GROW! During mentoring, I benefited greatly from my mentor's insights into the field of human resources. I was also able to exchange ideas and network with other mentees and mentors at various interdisciplinary events. My learning: It's always worth asking questions.

      • Meetings

        11 digital, 1 presence

        Common objective

        Starting a job in IT as a 'career changer'

        Result

        Job start as a data analyst

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        At the beginning of our mentoring, the focus was on preparing my application documents and myself for job interviews. Although I had already gained experience with working student jobs and had dealt with data topics, I felt insecure about looking for “real" jobs. My mentor and I worked together to revise my application documents and optimize my CV. In particular, we made the descriptions of my experience more precise and meaningful. From the beginning, I also showed her the jobs I wanted to apply for and she was able to quickly ease my nervousness by encouraging me to just go for it. After the first acceptances, we focused on preparing me for the upcoming interviews. We simulated several interviews and rehearsed questions and answers. My mentor was able to give me feedback on how my answers came across. This training helped me to appear more confident and to define more clearly what I was looking for in a position. At the same time, I was then able to communicate effectively and express myself better in conversations. Based on these tips, I was able to clarify my priorities for my first professional experience. With the support of my mentor, I have now landed my first job as a data analyst.

        Final quote

        In summary, the cooperation was very enriching and at eye level, there was always honest and professional feedback. I am very grateful for her support, which helped me to get my first job. I look forward to staying in contact with her in the future.

      • Meetings

        Our meetings took place exclusively in person. My mentor always tried to organize a meeting at least once a month. We usually met for a meal or at the university.

        Common objectives

        • CV check & application process 
        • Tips and experiences regarding career entry 
        • Salary negotiations 
        • Topic sales & business development 
        • Networking & LinkedIn

        Result

        I was able to learn a lot from the mentoring. My mentor described his career and his career entry after graduation. He was able to give us lots of tips and experience. We regularly discussed the topics of networking, LinkedIn and salary negotiations in our meetings. I had a total of two job interviews during the mentoring program and made it to the final interview round for both. He always supported me and I was always able to discuss any last-minute concerns with him. Starting with the fact that he checked my CV through to questions about case studies and role plays in preparation.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        I really enjoyed working with my mentor and we were able to learn a lot from him within our group. Overall, we had a very harmonious and pleasant relationship. He made an effort at every meeting to ensure that we could take something away with us and always responded to our concerns. As a mentee, I always noticed that he had a certain ambition to make the mentoring as good and instructive as possible. He also offered to meet up with us after the mentoring program was over and discuss topics that we hadn't discussed in almost 6 months. Overall, I thought it was great that we met as a group, so I was also able to learn something from the other mentees and get to know new perspectives. At the same time, I always had the opportunity to contact my mentor privately if I had any concerns about my application process.

        Final quote

        The mentoring program clearly exceeded my expectations. In just under 6 months, I was able to learn a lot in terms of content and at the same time make many new contacts with interesting people from different specialist areas and professional fields.


      • Meetings

        The first meeting took place digitally, four further meetings were held in person.

        Common objectives

        In the first mentoring meeting, we set ourselves the goal of working together to ensure that I can write applications with confidence. To do this, I need to know where my strengths lie, what added value I can offer a potential employer, what my weaknesses are and how I can deal with them (in an application process).

        Result

        I know my personal strengths and weaknesses and was able to confidently address them in the job interview.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor 

        Working with the mentor has definitely helped me progress and helped me to get to know myself better in a job market context. Her professional perspective as a recruiter contributed significantly to this. Due to the smaller age difference and the open nature of the mentor, working together was always a pleasure.


      • Meetings

        Once a month, in presence on campus

        Common objectives

        Strengthening in relation to entering the world of work

        Result

        At the end of the mentoring, I can say that I definitely feel better prepared for the world of work. During the mentoring, I updated and optimized my CV and also found a new part-time job. I also became more aware of my strengths and generally feel more self-confident than before the program started. 

        View and assessment of the collaboration with my mentor

        I can rate the collaboration with my mentor as positive and enriching. Communication and appointments always went smoothly. In addition to support with the job search and the application process, I was also able to do job shadowing with my mentor. I spent a day with her in her office and thus gained an insight into a new industry (event management). During the job shadowing, I not only observed my mentor at work, but also tried out practical activities. As an event on digitalization was taking place that day, I first helped with the registration of participants. My mentor then gave me an overview of her day-to-day work. As she was busy planning a science festival, she offered to put together a preliminary program for the festival, which I gladly accepted. At our final meeting, we went to lunch together in the canteen and talked not only about the mentoring program, but also about current topics. In conclusion, I can say that my mentor helped me a lot. During the program and thanks to my mentor, I got to know a new field of work, prepared myself for job hunting and job interviews and, above all, got to know myself and my skills better.

        Concluding quote

        If you not only want to prepare for your professional future, but also want to become aware of your potential, strengths and talents, then GROW@Goethe is right for you!

      • Meetings

        We meet about once a month for 1-2 hours. For practical reasons, the meetings have all taken place digitally.

        Common objectives

        • Sharing experiences
        • Tips for career guidance
        • Advice on internship and study matters
        • CV check

        Result

        We were able to clarify important points for me. We dealt with all the points of our objectives and in the sessions we often did what had come up for me during the month and what I could use help with. For example, we talked about my CV, she read my applications and then discussed them with me, and my mentor was generally very helpful with all my questions.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        My mentor and I got on very well and everything worked really well. She helped wherever she could, so I can only praise her as a mentor. As a result, the mentoring program turned out to be a real benefit for me and is one of the most useful programs I've come across at university so far. As the program progressed, however, there was less and less to discuss, which I think is inevitable.


      • Meetings

        5 meetings (1 face-to-face, 4 digital)

        Common objectives

        At the beginning of our mentoring, the primary goal was to gain a clear perspective on the differences and challenges of career paths in academia and industry. A particular focus was to develop a deep understanding of the respective advantages and disadvantages and how these could impact my personal and professional development.

        Outcome

        At the end of the mentoring, I gained a sound insight into both career paths. The discussions and analysis helped me to understand the complexity and dynamics of both areas. The insights into the necessity of soft skills in a professional context, such as dealing with criticism and working in interdisciplinary teams, were particularly valuable. Looking at the rapid pace of technological change, particularly through the development of AI, has opened up new perspectives for future career opportunities.

        View or assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        Working with my mentor was enormously helpful and inspiring. I learned a lot thanks to his extensive experience and depth of knowledge. What was particularly impressive was how he was able to explain complex topics clearly and simply and always responded to my needs. This individual attention made the mentoring very effective. His open way of talking about experiences and making complicated things understandable gave me new insights. The clear and constructive communication helped me to develop and grow in a trusting environment.

        Final quote

        Mentoring has not only given me new perspectives on different career paths, but also strengthened my ability to deal with the challenges and opportunities in our fast-paced, tech-centric working world. The advice and conversations with my mentor were enormously valuable and will certainly support me on my career path for a long time to come.


      • Meetings

        My mentor and I met five times during the five months of GROW mentoring. At the beginning, it was important to me that we also meet in person, as face-to-face conversations are more holistic and I wanted to get a personal impression of my mentor. Unfortunately, we only held two of the five meetings in person, as it was not possible for either of us to hold further meetings in person due to time constraints. We only saw each other five times, but I am very satisfied with our meetings. I think we made good use of our time. 

        Common objectives

        My mentor and I agreed at the beginning that I would take care of preparing the content of our meetings and always keep an eye out for a new meeting date. I also wanted us to hold at least one meeting in English. I also suggested using a meeting to go through an application, as I particularly wanted to get feedback on my CV here. I then presented her with other topics of interest (everyday professional life, career, transition from university to professional life, reputation, solo vs. team work, work-life balance, applications, job search) that I wanted to talk about if necessary. We recorded all of this in the mentoring contract. My mentor liked my choice of topics and agreed to discuss as many of my desired topics as possible with me over the next five months. We both hoped for motivated, interesting and inspiring discussions and started GROW mentoring on November 7, 2013, even before the official introductory event, with great anticipation. 

        Result

        My mentor and I were able to successfully hold a meeting in English. The meeting was a good exercise and motivated me to tackle a year abroad. I was also able to improve my application to the Goethe University Writing Center with her help. Your suggestions for improvement will also be very useful to me in future applications. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we did not manage to discuss all the topics in detail, but as we both always prepared well for our meetings, each of our meetings was very enriching. We set ourselves realistic goals at the beginning and were therefore able to implement our plans well, despite limited time.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        My mentor and I treated each other with understanding. I fulfilled my role as a mentee well in that I kept to all our agreements and sent her my questions in good time so that she could also prepare for our meetings. I also took her work schedule into consideration when making appointments and arranged a follow-up appointment in good time. In return, she was very open to my topic requests. She used her personal and professional experience to answer all my questions. She was very cordial towards me and gave me helpful suggestions for improvement in a professional and friendly manner.

        Concluding quote

        GROW is a wonderful program that connects people. I have met students from a wide range of disciplines and look forward to every meeting with my mentor. I have already been able to gain an insight into their everyday working life and be inspired by their way of working. GROW is enormously enriching for me as a first-generation student.

      • Meetings


        The mentoring meetings were held in online format and took place on the following dates: 30.10.23, 22.11.23, 14.12.23, 4.1.24, 8.2.24 and 19.2.24. These virtual meetings allowed for flexible and effective communication between mentor and mentee, ensuring continuous support and progress in the collaboration. 


        Common objectives


        As part of the mentoring program, various key topics were dealt with intensively in order to specifically promote the mentee's professional development. The focus was on identifying suitable professional positions after the doctorate and exploring the necessary skills and abilities. The mentoring also included a detailed review and optimization of the CV and LinkedIn profile to ensure an appealing and professional presentation. Another key aspect was an in-depth look at everyday working life in the industry, which gave the mentee a realistic insight. Strategies for effectively building and maintaining professional networks were developed together, as was the application process for the targeted positions. The mentoring sessions enabled the exchange of personal experiences, advice and ideas. In this interactive communication, key aspects of the mentee's current professional position were also reflected upon. Finally, strengths and weaknesses were analyzed and targeted measures were developed to strengthen skills and overcome challenges. This holistic approach made a significant contribution to promoting the mentee's professional orientation and development in the long term.


        Result

        During the mentoring process, the topics of networking, professional positions after the doctorate, required skills, CV/LinkedIn, personal strengths and weaknesses, job descriptions and job entry, as well as everyday job life in the pharmaceutical industry were discussed in detail.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        The collaboration with the mentor is characterized by effective organization, targeted discussions and supportive assistance. The mentoring relationship has helped to gain clarity about future opportunities.

      • Meetings

        Exclusively digital, about 6 meetings

        Common objectives

        Support during the transition phase from studying to working life or the doctoral phase. Joint revision of application documents. Writing support during the final phase of the Master's thesis.

        Outcome

        Successful completion of the Master's degree. Decision made regarding future career development. Expected successful transition to doctorate. 

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        The exchange with the mentor was engaging and friendly right from the start, but also productive and goal-oriented. It was clearly noticeable that the mentor had already mentored other mentees before and therefore had a certain amount of experience. Initially, goals and expectations were formulated and a wide range of support options were generally offered. Making appointments was always straightforward and the date for the next meeting was usually agreed towards the end of one meeting. The mentor kindly offered to occasionally be available for questions beyond the scope of the mentoring. Around the middle of the mentoring period, many of the questions and topics formulated at the beginning had already been clarified, so the focus was changed spontaneously and I also received good support for the final phase of my Master's thesis. I was regularly given writing tips and was able to benefit greatly from the mentor's personal experience. In addition, suggestions for job fairs or other events were often shared.

        Overall, the mentoring program at Goethe University gave me valuable insights into a potential field of work. It is very difficult to obtain information about opportunities in industry and to make contacts there, especially in natural science degree programs. Accordingly, the contact with the mentor was a unique opportunity to gain further information in this area. In addition, I received valuable support in writing my thesis and will be able to rely on the occasional support of the mentor in the future, especially with outstanding applications etc.

      • Meetings

        Every other week; digital 

        Common objectives

        1. learning from experience....: a. Hurdle in the academic world , b. Everyday life , c. Interview 

        2. how to find a.... a. Hiwi position , b. Docotorandstelle , c. Erasmus internship

        3. skills for the future 

        4. support during the application process

        Result

        Participating in the mentoring program turned out to be extremely beneficial for me. Thanks to the support of my mentor, I always received valuable advice and was able to gain insights from a different perspective. Specifically, the following goals were successfully achieved:

        1. guidance in the application process for a scholarship

        2. receiving constructive feedback on my letter of motivation and CV 

        3. support in the search for an internship 

        4. obtaining helpful tips for a future career in the academic world.

        Perspective and assessment of the cooperation with the mentor

        The cooperation was extremely harmonious and without any problems. My mentor always proved to be extremely supportive and very personable. There was an excellent understanding between us and we were able to successfully achieve many of the goals set at the beginning of the program.

        Final quote

        I can unreservedly recommend the mentoring program to any student who needs a boost in their academic career. Due to the positive experience I personally had, I plan to apply for the program again for the summer semester 2024.

      • Meetings

        Meetings took place approximately monthly in person and once digitally, except in February and March due to internships, but my mentor was still available for me.

        Common objectives

        •  Opportunities and career options in science
        • Networking and gaining experience
        • Project organization
        • Personal development

        Outcome

        I expressed my goals, concerns and wishes regarding my own future, especially with regard to an academic career, and my mentor enabled me to talk much more openly with my doctoral supervisor about my ideas regarding my work. I was also able to see much more clearly what my goals were and what next steps I should take. Furthermore, my mentor also gave me a lot of advice on the topic of career as a woman and management and financial support for projects.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        I rate our mentoring relationship as helpful because my mentor talks about her experiences, is available, shows interest and was open to the questions I had. My mentor has managed many clinical and scientific projects, which I can also imagine for my future. What I particularly like about it is that I can get to know her mentality and approach. I can learn not only the theory, but also what kind of person is behind these achievements, what qualities and approaches have brought them to this point. She was very open and available in every way. I was able to articulate my thoughts and also see them more clearly for myself. My plans for the future just became more tangible when I was able to share them with someone in a safe space. I also liked the fact that I could rely on this person to give me advice. To summarize, I am very happy about the mentoring and see it as a valuable opportunity to learn from my mentor's experience

        Final quote

        Mentoring makes you recognize yourself better.

      • Meetings

        My mentor and I met a total of four times. One of these meetings was face-to-face (in a café in Frankfurt) and three were digital.

        Common objectives

        At our first meeting, we talked a lot about our objectives. We worked out a few points together that we wanted to tackle together. Examples include: LinkedIn profile and use of the platform, professional world or her professional/work life, distance learning and possible combinations of teaching and biological professions.

        Result

        We have actually achieved all our goals. I now have a proper LinkedIn profile and have also understood and learned to use the app. I was also able to gain a good insight into their day-to-day work and various biological professions. Furthermore, I was able to learn a lot about her distance learning program and now know what I can imagine it to be, what opportunities it offers in addition to everyday working life and what degree programs are available. Finally, she showed me various ways in which I can combine a teaching degree with a career in biology.

        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor

        I got on very well with my mentor. I know that if I had any questions in the future, I could always turn to her. We got on very well on a personal level. I was also able to learn a lot for my future and now know more about some topics. I particularly enjoyed talking to someone with experience. She has been through similar things to me and was able to put herself in my shoes. Through her experience, I was finally able to understand how LinkedIn works, which was unimaginable for me. Nevertheless, I would have liked to have had more meetings with her and her other mentees. Also, things were promised at the beginning (e.g. taking her to her company and spending a day together), which unfortunately didn't materialize. Perhaps in future there will be a minimum number of meetings that need to be arranged. I think that would help the mentees to receive even more of the best possible mentoring.

        Final quote

        The mentoring program at Goethe University was a transformative experience for me. Supported by my mentor, I not only achieved academic goals but also developed important soft skills. The meetings helped me to set clear career goals and boost my self-confidence. This experience has been invaluable for my personal and professional development.

      • Meetings

        9.11.2023, 16:00 to 17:00: Initial discussion about mentoring agreement 


        13.11.2023, 18:00 to 20:00: Reunion at the kick-off event 


        29.11.2023, 13:00 to 14:00: Exchange about studies and work 


        7.12.2023, 19:00 to 21:30: Meeting at the Literaturhaus 


        20.01.2023 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.: Exchange about term papers 


        24.01.2024 20:00 to 20:30: Video call about personal issues and challenges in everyday life 


        15.02.2024 19:30 to 20:00: Exchange about personal issues 


        22.02.2024: 16:00 to 17:00: Meeting at the city library for a clothes swap 14.03.2024, 19:00 to 20:00: Closing event


        25.03.2024, 18:00 to 19:00: Final discussion 


        Common objectives


        Exchange about the teacher role and expectations

        Exchange about values and alternative objectives 


        Outcome


        More of a friendly relationship has developed, which is why there is no “result” in the true sense of the word. We continue to keep in touch and exchange ideas, and I very much appreciate being able to rely on further support or being able to seek contact at any time. 


        View and assessment of the collaboration with the mentor


        In the course of our collaboration, a valuable, friendly relationship has developed that does not end with the final meeting. The empathetic and interested nature of my mentor contributed significantly to this positive relationship. Whenever I needed support or had questions, I was helped with great interest and was shown possible alternative courses of action. In addition, she drew my attention to events outside my teacher training course and sensitized me to a broader view of education. She also told me fascinating aspects about Frankfurt and always invited me to various events. Her commitment and willingness inspire me to keep other things in mind as well.