English

Cross-border mentoring program "careerSTEPS" (Západočeská univerzita v Plzni)

A cross-border mentoring initiative by the University of West Bohemia and OTH Amberg‑Weiden pairing master's students and early researchers with academic mentors to promote doctoral and scientific careers.

Who is it for?

Master's students and aspiring PhD researchers

Overview

careerSTEPS is a cross-border mentoring programme run by the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen in cooperation with OTH Amberg‑Weiden as part of the career4PROF project. The programme aims to inspire and motivate students toward doctoral studies and academic/scientific careers by creating international mentor–mentee tandems and offering practical exposure to research environments.

Who it is for

Students in master's programmes and those considering doctoral study or a scientific career. The programme addresses declining interest in academic careers by offering personalised guidance and cross‑border professional contacts.

How it works

Mentor–mentee tandems are formed across borders to match mentees' profiles and needs.
Each tandem signs a mentoring agreement tailored to the mentee's goals and expectations.
Interactions take place via scheduled online meetings, in‑person meetings at partner universities, and joint participation in professional activities.
Typical joint activities include workshops, conferences, meetings with doctoral students, and visits to laboratories and companies.

Pilot outcomes and next steps

In the pilot run, 10 mentees from Bavaria were paired with 10 mentors from the University of West Bohemia. The programme was presented as a best practice example at Mentoring Forum 2024. The pilot phase is subject to evaluation, and organisers plan to continue the cross‑border programme and welcome new mentees and mentors in forthcoming cycles.

Benefits

For mentees: personalised academic career guidance, expanded international network, and hands‑on insight into research and professional environments.
For mentors: opportunity to support and shape emerging cross‑border talent and to engage with international colleagues and students.