Tandem

Following the classic one-to-one mentoring model, our project will comprise twenty so-called tandems that consist of an experienced individual, the mentor, who passes on his/her knowledge and experience to a more inexperienced person, the mentee, in the course of the mentoring year. However, we will also promote peer-mentoring relationships since our experience has shown that this low-threshold approach produces additional benefits such as a less hierarchical relationship to the mentor, greater self-assertiveness among the mentees,  and more vigorous networking among the group as a whole.

The mentoring relationship is mainly constituted through regular contact between the mentee and her mentor. Although this may vary, the main issues will, most likely, initially be goals and strategies for the mentoring cooperation and the definition of roles and, later, concrete coaching demands and recommendations, professional advice etc. According to the conditions given, the tandem independently decides on the number, frequency and mode of communications.

The tandem receives a so-called log book that contains background information and tips on how to structure the mentoring relationship and a written agreement (“mentoring contract”) that stipulates the most important objectives and measures of the project year. This agreement also serves as a basis for a regular project progress assessment.