Mentees and Mentors
The MCQST Mentoring Program is designed for women and gender minority Master's students, PhDs, and Postdocs within MCQST. The program pairs early-career scientists with mentors of their choosing while also providing many networking and development opportunities among the mentees. Mentees will also participate in a full-day soft skills and career development workshop with a professional career coach.
Eligibility: Students in the Master's in QST program and Master's students in their research / MA thesis phase, PhDs, and Postdocs working in the research group of one of our members are eligible to apply. Contact support[at]mcqst.de for questions.
Program Structure
The Mentoring Program lasts for one calendar year. Events will be either in-person or online. It consists of:
- Regular networking meetings with other mentees
- Visits with the selected mentor (see below for more info)
- Soft skills & career development workshop: a full day workshop on a topic chosen by the mentee group.
The Mentoring Program is free for participants and reimburses travel costs for eligible participants.
Finding a Mentor
Applicants should suggest their own mentors. The mentor can be any gender and can be someone you already know or someone you would like to get to know. If you do not have a concrete idea who can be your mentor your motivation letter should include a description of characteristics you would like to have in your mentor (e.g. they work in industry in the area of xyz). The MCQST Office or Executive Committee can offer support by establishing first contact and providing information on the program and MCQST. If you cannot suggest a mentor we will try to find someone as close as possible to your description from the MCQST community and connections. If you would like us to make first contact, please indicate so in your application.
Target Groups
Master's & PhD Mentees
Master's & PhD students can choose a local (Munich area) mentor working in academia or industry.
The mentor and mentee agree on meeting twice per year.
IMPRS-QST scholars may apply for a member of their Thesis Advisory Board as their mentor. TUM Physics candidates can also apply with their mentor from their graduate program.
Postdoc Mentees
MCQST Postdocs may choose a local or international mentor. MCQST will reimburse the travels costs for one visit to mentors outside of Munich.
Mentor and mentee agree on meeting at least once per year.
How to Apply
To apply for the MCQST Mentoring Program, please send us the following documents:
- CV
- List of publications
- Letter (one page) with the following information:
- Motivation for joining the program
- What you would like to learn from your mentor
- Chosen mentor's name and research area or company name
- Information about whether you are already in contact with the mentor, or if you would like MCQST to make first contact.
Please send your full application as one PDF to support[at]mcqst.de.
Applications now open! Apply by 15 December.
We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and we welcome trans women and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified.