Growing together by sharing knowledge and experiences. Our mentoring program brings together PhD students, postdocs, young professionals and experienced professionals to learn from one another. Are you wondering which career path suits you best? Or are you looking for an independent sounding board outside your supervisory team to talk openly about professional challenges and personal development? As a mentee, you’ll have the chance to expand your network and shape your future. Are you a more experienced professional willing to shar some of your time to support the younger generation of scientists? As a mentor you’ll inspire the next generation and gain fresh, new insights to apply to your own practice.

As a mentee, participation in the mentoring program is free for KNCV members (with the exception of the free student membership). Non-KNCV members pay €40 to take part in the programme. Mentors do not pay anything to take part in the program. 

We believe that finding the right mentor is a key part of a successful mentoring relationship. That is why we are organising a matching event where you can get to know the mentors, so that you can make an informed choice. We therefore strongly recommend that you attend the matching event. The matching event isn’t only a way to meet all mentors, but also to network among your peers!

The matching event takes the form of a speed-matching session. Each mentee has 5 minutes to talk to each mentor. This gives you the chance to get to know them, hear more about their experiences and interests, and find out whether there is a good match in terms of your goals, interests and personality.

After the speed-matching session, you can indicate which mentor(s) you would most like to be matched with. 

• After the matching event, we’ll do our best to pair you with one of your preferred mentors.
• Once the official match has been confirmed, we’ll ask you to schedule your first mentoring session within two weeks.
• The mentoring program lasts 9 months. During this period, we expect mentors and mentees to meet at least three times.
• Of course, we encourage you to meet more often if both you and your mentor share this wish. 

The mentoring relationship is there for you to discuss the topics that matter to you — from career development and exploring opportunities outside your current workplace, professional challenges, and personal growth. Or simply to have someone outside your usual work environment with whom you can think through your current situation or next steps with.