Mentoring Structure
A structured mentoring relationship helps both parties get the most out of the experience.

Here is the recommended structure for an alma mentoring partnership:

Matching
Mentees actively search for suitable mentors on the platform and send a request if interested. As a mentor, you’ll be notified by email and can accept or decline the request.

Introductory Conversation
Before committing to a mentoring partnership, we recommend an introductory meeting. This conversation helps clarify mutual expectations and decide whether you’re a good fit for each other.

What if it’s not a match? If you feel that the topics, dynamics, or expectations don’t align after your intial conversation, it’s absolutely okay not to proceed. In that case, please update the mentoring status to “terminated” so we know there is no active mentoring and the mentee can continue their search.

Getting to Know Each Other & Goal Setting
Take time at the start of each mentoring partnership to get to know your mentee. Trust and understanding are the foundation of successful collaboration. Only if you understand your mentee’s needs, goals, and learning style can you provide meaningful and effective support.

Together, define 2–3 specific goals for the mentoring phase. Even if these evolve over time, goals provide a clear direction and help you stay focused, reflect on progress, and plan next steps.

Mentoring Phase (approx. 6 months)
A duration of about six months with regular meetings (e.g. 1–2 times per month) is recommended. You and your mentee decide how often and in what format you meet—what matters most is that meetings occur regularly for the mentoring to be effective.

If your mentoring ends early or you would like to extend it, please inform us: alma@univie.ac.at

Wrap-up conversation
At the end of the mentoring, take time to reflect on your collaboration, successes, and lessons learned. This helps mentees carry their insights into future career steps.

Many tandems stay in informal contact after the mentoring—this is however not required.

Completion with Certificate & Celebration Event
After finishing the mentoring, you can download a participation certificate.

Alternatively, we warmly invite all mentoring teams to a celebratory closing event held once per semester — a special occasion to receive your certificate and connect with fellow mentees and mentors in a relaxed atmosphere.