EFG International Mentoring Programme
Belgium
Organisation that has implemented good practice: The European Federation of Geologists (EFG)
Type of organisation: NGO
Level: International
Target group: Young earth scientists
Aim: to create an international informal network of geoscientists capable of providing guidance and support to other geoscientists.
Description
The international mentoring program supports post-Bachelor students and young professionals with less than 4 years of professional experience and aims at creating an international informal network of geoscientists capable of providing guidance and support to other geoscientists. During 9 months, the mentees receive advice and targeted support from experienced professionals, according to their individual goals.
Examples include:
- feedback and support during the job application process;
- building up a network, transfer of contacts;
- development of a career strategy;
- introduction to informal knowledge and business networks;
- shadowing of the professional life of the mentor.
The cooperation starts with a webinar that introduces the program’s goals and opportunities to mentees and mentors. The webinar also offers the possibility to interact via a live chat function. Due to the program’s international dimension, electronic communication tools are encouraged to keep mentees and mentors in touch. Besides, EFG’s membership associations approach the participants whenever possibilities for face-to-face meetings arise at national levels. Mentees and mentors are coordinated by the EFG office in Brussels and by the respective member association(s) at the national level.
