Definition of mentoring

• Definition of mentoring
• Benefits of mentoring

Definition

At eument-net, “mentoring” is defined as

• a supporting relationship, beyond institutional hierarchies,
• established in the framework of a formal mentoring programme,
• between a women academic or researcher who wishes to engage and gain experience in a specific field (a mentee),
• and a senior academic or researcher (a mentor) who is ready to share his or her specific experience and knowledge related to the mentee’s needs, or between peers,
• with the aim of fostering the mentee’s or the peer’s personal and career development in academia and research.

Benefits

For mentees, the participation in a mentoring programme shall

• foster their professional identity and competence in building their career-project
• develop their network and provide contacts with role models and peers
• increase their autonomy and critical understanding of academic and research organisations
• increase their desire to pursue a career in academia and research.

• provide an opportunity to support women academics and transmit their experience outside hierarchical relationships
• provide an opportunity for self-reflection and exchange with other mentors
• support the development of leadership skills, including better mentoring skills to use within their own professional context.