Introduction to the EDUC Mentoring Programme
The University of Pécs is launching the EDUC Mentoring Programme, a structured professional development initiative designed to pair early‑career staff with experienced mentors from partner EDU‑universities. The partnership seeks to sharpen research, teaching, and management skills over a six‑month horizon. Whether you work in research financing, linguistics, ethics, business development, internationalisation, or marketing, the program offers a clear pathway to advance your expertise within the education sector.
Who Should Join?
- Early‑Career Professionals: Less than three years of experience in an academic or research role.
- English proficiency at B1 level or higher – this ensures effective communication during online meetings and training sessions.
- Committed to professional growth and eager to broaden your network.
- Willing to dedicate 10 hours over the next six months, distributed as a minimum of one meeting per month.
Benefits of Participation
Engaging in the EDUC Mentoring Programme delivers tangible advantages:
- Skill Expansion: Gain new strategies in research funding, ethics compliance, and business development.
- Network Building: Connect with peers and senior researchers across EDU‑universities, opening doors for joint projects.
- Best‑Practice Exchange: Apply proven techniques and avoid common pitfalls in your daily work.
Structure of the Programme
All activities are scheduled during normal working hours to respect job responsibilities. The mentorship roadmap includes:
- Six one‑hour video‑conference sessions conducted with a mentor, lasting for six months.
- Three digital training modules designed in collaboration with a dedicated trainer. Topics cover:
- June 4, 12:30–13:30 – Foundations of Research Financing
- September 12, 14:00–15:30 – Ethics in Academic Practice
- October 23, 13:00–14:30 – Marketing and Communication Strategies for Educators
Applications and Timeline
Ready to get started? The application portal is open until 1 June 23:59. Use the online form: https://nettskjema.no/a/524968. After submission, the selection committee will review entries and match candidates with suitable mentors.
Key dates to remember:
- June 1 – Application deadline
- June 4 – First training session
- September 12 – Second training session
- October 23 – Final training session
Resources and Further Reading
The university provides a Mentor Programme brochure for detailed insight. Download it here. Additionally, visit the University of Pécs website for related faculty information and research opportunities.
How to Prepare for Mentoring Success
- Identify your learning objectives – choose one or two focus areas (e.g., funding acquisition or international collaboration).
- Schedule a preliminary video call with your mentor to outline expectations and set short‑term goals.
- Maintain a mentoring log: document insights from each session and reflect on implementation steps.
- Participate actively in the training modules; note key takeaways and discuss them in meetings.
- Seek feedback from colleagues and your mentor to refine your approach continually.
What Happens After the Programme?
Completion of the mentoring cycle does not end your professional development. Graduates often report:
- Increased success rates for research grants.
- Higher engagement in interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Improved digital communication skills leading to successful outreach campaigns.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The EDUC Mentoring Programme presents a unique chance to accelerate your career while contributing to a vibrant academic community. By investing 10 hours over six months, you can unlock new skill sets, broaden your network, and drive impactful research and teaching outcomes.
