foRMAtion Mentorship Alliance

The foRMAtion Mentorship Programme is a unique undertaking which aims to close the gap between the offer of higher education institutions and the needs of the labour market in the field of research support. The Programme was developed to provide opportunity for university students, as mentees, to get hands-on work experience at research support offices under the guidance of experienced Research Managers and Administrators (RMA), acting as mentors. The framework of the programme is elaborated in the Methodological Guide including all the necessary know-how and support materials which can ensure its success.

The mentorship programme is a blended learning mobility for students, which consists of online and offline learning parts. The offline part of the mentorship is a physical mobility for students, when they are travelling abroad to host organisations (RPO partners of the Alliance). The online part of the mentorship consists of the pre- and post-physical mobility including online consultations between the mentors and the students.

• if you are a student and want to become mentee
  • You select the mentor from the list below and then send your application including your CV and motivation letter
  • You pass the self-development tool at the foRMAtion website and get the certificate proving that you have the basic knowledge in RMA
  • We will support you in arranging your stay with the mentor and get the documentation necessary to prove that you accomplish the programme and get ECTS (in case your university can accept it)

• if you are RMA and want to become mentor:
  • You can take part free of charge at the trainings for new-comers
  • You become part of our Community of Practitioners
  • You can decide when you can host students for the mentorship
  • We will support you by carrying out evaluation and impact assessment to ensure the quality of the programme provided

• if you are a student and want to become mentee
  • This Programme is more than a simple internship/training programme as the mentor provides you tailor made support and guidance to reach the jointly agreed learning goals through trustful relationship
  • This is an intensive study programme dedicating a special focus to the development of skills and competencies relevant for RMAs
  • You have the possibility of applying for funding through Erasmus + internship programme and accomplish the Programme in a foreign country
  • You will receive the foRMAtion badges and certificates.

• for mentors
  • The Programme is an excellent opportunity for your professional development
  • You can enhance skills and competencies related to leadership, delegation, supervision, and so on
  • Becoming member of the Alliance provides visibility to your organization and your support office.
  • Through the Community of Practitioners, you become part of a professional network and get the chance to exchange experience, knowledge and useful advices.
  • You will receive the foRMAtion badges and certificates.

… You can also check the testimonials of our students accomplishing the Mentorship Programme…

To formally join the Alliances there is one step to take: you need to complete, sign and return our Letter of Intent for the Mentorship Alliance to the address indicated on the form acknowledging your consent to respect our values and principles.

Tentative event schedule until 2024:

• 30 November 2022, 15:30 – 18:30 Brussels (after the foRMAtion final event): short training for Mentors on the foRMAtion mentorship methodology
• End of January 2023: online consultation and sharing experiences within the community of practice
• June 2023: trainings on the foRMAtion mentorship methodology for new members of the Alliances – experiences and lessons learnt from foRMAtion experts
• September 2023: online consultation and sharing experiences within the community of practice
• January 2024: trainings on the foRMAtion mentorship methodology for new members of the Alliance – experiences and lessons learnt from foRMAtion experts