How does it work?
Each cycle runs from September to May and includes:
Throughout the cycle, 4 to 5 one-on-one sessions of around 45 minutes are recommended. These can take place online or in person — whatever works best for the mentor/mentee pair!
How can you participate?
You can:
We're looking for people who are willing to listen, share, and grow together — no formal requirements.
What do you get?
Also, take a look at the program’s terms of participation:
- Termos de Aceitação do Programa - as mentee
- Termos de Aceitação do Programa - as mentor
If you have any questions, you can check out a more detailed explanation of the program (aqui) or reach us at: mentorias@fct.unl.pt
We’re counting on you to be part of this journey of sharing and growth!
Register here by September 21
- Termos de Aceitação do Programa - as mentee
- Termos de Aceitação do Programa - as mentor
Mentee
Through the NOVA FCT Mentoring Programme, I was able to identify the key-aspects valued by employers, as well as structure the process to achieve them.
Mentee
Although brief, my experience in the Mentoring Programme run by FCT has been extremely positive and enriching. Through this program, I had the opportunity to meet three incredible people, coming from both academia and the corporate world, each with very different paths. With backgrounds that are more or less related, and belonging to different generations, they share above all new perspectives on career and life and that is precisely the greatest value I find in this program.
I am close to conclude my master’s degree and enter the job market can sometimes feel daunting. Having someone with whom I can share doubts and fears is truly reassuring. That support, present throughout the entire process, is another major strength of the program, which is not limited to the final stage of the degree but extends to any moment of transition or greater turbulence.
Finally, even though this is still the first edition, the program is well structured and offers solid guidance. It provides the necessary boost at a take‑off stage, with clear goals and a long‑term vision. It is the ideal space for anyone looking to meet new people, learn from their experiences and grow regardless of the stage of life they are in.
Mentor
The NOVA FCT Mentoring Programme has been an incredibly enriching experience. My mentee was very well matched to my profile, she is pursuing a master’s degree in bioinformatics, and since I share that background, I feel I can offer personalized guidance that can truly make a meaningful impact on her personal and professional development.
In addition, the program gave me the opportunity to meet the other mentor, expanding my professional network, exchanging experiences and working together to align strategies that support the mentee’s career growth.
I hope to continue contributing to this project, because it not only makes me happy but also fulfilled to see my mentee becoming more confident and at ease with her decisions and to be able to serve as a safe harbor for doubts and uncertainties especially considering she is an international student without a support network in Portugal.
Mentor
My experience so far has been brief, but excellent. During the mentoring session, my mentee and I shared ideas, concerns and experiences to help ease his transition into the job market. His fears and doubts are almost identical to the ones I had at the time - fears for which I never received answers back then.
Right now, I feel truly grateful to be part of this program and to be able to support future professionals, across different fields, in overcoming challenges and developing their personal and professional skills.
