Ment4Science

Based on the components of peer and group mentoring, you have the opportunity each semester to exchange ideas with like-minded individuals in a trusting atmosphere about the prospect of pursuing a doctorate. Using the method of collegial consultation, an inspiring space is created where you can support and empower each other with questions and challenges. This exchange is accompanied by a female scientist from HTWK Leipzig, who will share her own experiences and decision-making strategies as part of group mentoring. Ment4Science aims to support you on the path to a possible doctorate and to ensure an individual consideration of all options.

During the program, the project coordinator of the Female Scientists Network will be available to support you.

➡️ Who is the target audience of the program?

All female master’s students at HTWK Leipzig who are interested in pursuing a doctorate and want to exchange ideas with like-minded peers can participate in the Ment4Science program. The basic requirements for participation include interest and willingness to actively engage in the program.

➡️ How is the program structured?

The program spans one semester. The main component of Ment4Science consists of monthly peer meetings with other master’s students. The group can independently decide where they want to meet. At the beginning of the program, there is a mentoring briefing for mutual introduction, setting goals, and introduction to the method of collegial consultation. During the program period, a female scientist (mentor) from HTWK will join for two sessions as part of the group mentoring. During these sessions, self-selected topics can be discussed and deliberated upon in a confidential atmosphere.

After the semester, there is the opportunity to continue peer mentoring on your own initiative until the end of the master’s program. If mutual agreement is reached, group mentoring can also be continued independently.

➡️ What value does the program offer participants?

The program aims to create a meaningful exchange format with information and reflections that allows for individually making a well-considered decision for or against pursuing a doctorate. It is central that you make a choice that fits your personal situation. Additionally, Ment4Science provides an opportunity to meet other students who have similar questions, motivations, and concerns. This can help support your decision-making process and assist in planning the next steps.

➡️ What is Peer Mentoring?

According to the "Praxishandbuch Mentoring in der Wissenschaft" (2017), peer mentoring refers to a format in which a defined small group of four to six individuals at a similar qualification level regularly exchanges structured work meetings on professional, career, and everyday topics, providing mutual support. Positive effects arise from exchanging experiences at a common qualification level and from the interplay of individual perspectives, backgrounds, and possibly different disciplinary cultures. A respectful and non-competitive interaction is highly significant.

(Quelle: Petersen, R., Budde, M., Brocke, P. S., Doebert, G., Rudack, H., & Wolf, H. (2017): Praxishandbuch Mentoring in der Wissenschaft. Wiesbaden: Springer VS.)

➡️ What is Group Mentoring?

According to the "Praxishandbuch Mentoring in der Wissenschaft" (2017), group mentoring is described as follows:

"In group mentoring, a defined small group is accompanied by one or more experienced professionals as mentors in regular, structured work meetings to discuss professional, career, and everyday issues. Working in the peer group also fosters mutual inspiration and support."

(Quelle: Petersen, R., Budde, M., Brocke, P. S., Doebert, G., Rudack, H., & Wolf, H. (2017): Praxishandbuch Mentoring in der Wissenschaft. Wiesbaden: Springer VS.)

➡️ What is meant by Collegial Consultation?

According to Tietze (2015), collegial consultation is a structured counseling conversation in a group, in which one person is advised by the other participants according to a fixed procedure with assigned roles. The conversation aims to develop solutions for a specific key professional question.

(Quelle: Tietze, Kim-Oliver (2015). Kollegiale Beratung: Problemlösungen gemeinsam entwickeln. 7. Aufl. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt.)

➡️ What questions can be clarified at Ment4Science?

The topics discussed during the program are so individual that it is not possible to provide a comprehensive list. However, the following questions could be addressed:

• Do my career aspirations and goals align with pursuing a doctorate?
• Do I have sufficient qualifications to pursue a doctorate?
• How can I further educate myself and/or prepare for it?
• What is the significance of perseverance and endurance in this context?
• What are the first steps after deciding to pursue a doctorate?
• What funding opportunities are available during the doctorate?
• How can I successfully pursue a doctorate while having family or caregiving responsibilities?
• What are the doctoral conditions for me as an international master’s student?
• What conditions enable me to pursue a doctorate even with a disability or chronic illness?
• What career prospects are opened up by completing a doctorate?

Important: Within the program, we do not offer technical advice. For substantive questions, please feel free to contact the Graduate Center (GradZ) for advice.

➡️ How do I become a mentor in the program?

• Do you want to support master’s students at HTWK Leipzig in their decision for or against pursuing a doctorate?
• Are you interested in reflecting on your own educational path in a group mentoring session and engaging in discussions with interested master’s students?
• Are you willing to provide insight into the academic life at HTWK and shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of academia?

If yes, then you are in the right place: We are looking for female scientists at HTWK who are interested in serving as mentors. Since the program runs per group over a semester, the time commitment for you amounts to two group mentoring sessions per semester, each lasting two hours. The discussions with the students are planned to be in person. You will receive a mentoring briefing in advance.

The matching between peer group and mentor is based on the wishes of the master’s students and is initiated by the project coordinator.