Mentor programme
In the mentor programme, young professionals (mentees) are matched with more experienced colleagues (mentors), embarking together on an inspiring journey of professional development.
The goal of the mentor programme is to facilitate mutual learning. A mentor – an experienced colleague in every sense of the word – shares personal knowledge and expertise and provides support for professional growth. As a mentee – someone who is new to the job market or to the UG – you can gain valuable insights from your mentor and find inspiration for your career path.
In 2019, the UG mentor programme for professional staff was launched by YoungRUG in cooperation with HR.
Mentor Programme 2026
The next round of the mentoring programme starts in September 2026. Would you like to take part? You have until 14 July 2026 to sign up!
Testimonials
Vincent de Boer
Vincent de Boer
'Having been a mentor for a few years has been a unique and also refreshing experience in a few ways. It keeps reminding me that being in this organization for a very long time does not mean I know everything about all departments, their challenges, their work culture.
Also, seeing the organization through the lens of a younger colleague has renewed my view on things I take for granted. While on the one side being able to help a younger colleague navigate the university and their own career choices or challenges, the mentorship program also encouraged me to re-evaluate how I work and approach questions, challenges and people in our University.
It is a learning process for both, where I can help the mentee with my experience, knowledge and network and they help me with their fresh set of eyes, by asking the very fundamental, but important, questions and to see their curiosity and drive forward.'
Linda van den Bovenkamp
Linda van den Bovenkamp
'As a mentor at the university, I have been guiding young professionals for several years now. What this brings me goes far beyond simply sharing knowledge. It is the connection with a younger generation that inspires me and keeps me sharp. Using my work and life experience at moments when it is needed also ensures that I continuously re-examine my own insights.
I recognize many of the questions and challenges that mentees face. Precisely by giving them the space to find their own path, reflecting together on what this means for them, and witnessing their growth in both professional and personal questions, I experience this as highly valuable and meaningful.
For me, the strength lies in mutual curiosity. When we remain open to each other’s perspectives, a collaboration emerges in which generations not only understand each other, but also strengthen one another!'
Swaeske de Vries
Swaeske de Vries
'For me, the mentorship programme offers my mentee and myself the opportunity for growth. I can use my expertise to guide someone else, but at the same time I am learning to become and stay a mentor. Instead of giving (unsolicited) advice, I practise listening, asking questions, and asking for clarifications.
Being a mentor forces us to (re)discover the side of us we might have lost as we grew older: the part that can sit, listen, observe, and question without judgement.'
Niels Rambags
Niels Rambags
'Being a mentor in the YoungRUG mentor programme for me is a unique way of helping out a university colleague and at the same time to get insight in another department of the University. Besides the nice cross-faculty/department contact, it extends the network of both the mentee as the mentor and best of all, guiding a colleague forces me to reflect on my own behaviour as well.
I highly recommend joining as a mentor or mentee!'