BayernMentoring is a Bavaria-wide support program specifically for girls and young women, primarily in STEM fields of study and careers (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). On October 22, the kick-off event took place at Hof University of Applied Sciences – naturally in compliance with current hygiene measures. The Women’s Representative of Hof University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Margarete Blank-Bewersdorff, led through the evening, which she had organized together with her assistant Katharina Michael
A brief explanation: Mentoring is the trusting supportive relationship between a person who is still inexperienced professionally (mentee) and a person with professional experience (mentor). The experienced person (mentor) passes on his or her experience and knowledge to the mentee and thus supports the mentee in his or her professional and personal development.
Benefits for mentees and mentors
The event offered visitors a wide range of information and content. First of all, it was defined what is meant by the term “Bayern Mentoring”, what are the main tasks associated with the project and what are the advantages for mentees and mentors. It is noteworthy that some mentors have been offering their help for years or have participated in the program as mentees themselves in the past.
Annika Popp reports from a male domain
As the surprise guest of the evening, Annika Popp, mayor of the municipality of Leupoldsgrün, reported on how she was able to assert herself in male-dominated regional politics and the difficulties she had to contend with in the process
In particular, she also addressed the compatibility of her job with her situation as a mother. Her lecture was very inspiring for the audience. Afterwards, all participants had the opportunity to ask questions, which led to interesting conversations.
Relaxed getting to know each other
In the second part of the event, it became exciting, especially for the mentees, because now they could find out which mentor was assigned to them personally. After the official part, they were able to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere and exchange initial information in personal one-on-one meetings. The evening ended in a relaxed atmosphere with a prepared snack. At the very end of the event, each team was able to introduce itself and tell what they had already been able to learn from each other in their short time together.
It remains exciting to see how the project will develop further under Corona conditions – but the team of women’s representatives is very confident that the mentees will learn a lot despite the current limitations
