Mentoring programme in the autumn semester of 2025
The mentoring programme brings together our successful alumni and active students to support students’ professional, academic and personal development with the help of mentors who are professionals in their field, thus strengthening the University of Tartu community. Participation in the mentoring programme is free of charge for both students and alumni. The application period runs from 1 to 23 September.
Application for mentees Application for mentors
Besides supporting the mentee, mentoring skills help the mentor become a better leader, cooperation partner and colleague. We are looking for alumni who are willing to share their experience and advice to mentor students, support their growth and encourage them to find their own path. At the same time, mentors can get an overview of what young people entering the labour market expect from the employer. Alumni participating in the programme can complete a free short training course under the guidance of experienced mentors and learn the basics of mentoring.
The programme provided me with valuable knowledge about mentoring, developing listening skills, and supporting the mentees on their journey. It also gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences, exchange ideas with other mentors, and gain practical tools.
The programme gives students an opportunity to get support and advice in setting goals, planning their career or writing their thesis, but also to build their network, listen to mentors’ recommendations and acquire knowledge that fosters personal development. All open-minded and curious students of the University of Tartu who wish to learn from the experience of professionals are welcome to apply. The UT Counselling Centre offers training and peer group counselling opportunities to students participating in the programme.
A very cool programme that was a great help and source of inspiration for me. It helps you find your direction during your studies and gain a better sense of your future.
Mentors and mentees who complete the mentoring programme receive a continuing education certificate, provided they reflect on their meetings, write brief summaries of them, and compile a personal development analysis.
The 2025 joint opening seminar takes place on 8 October at 16:00–18:30 at the University of Tartu Library and the joint closing seminar on 19 February 2026 at 16:00–18:00 in Tartu (venue to be specified). Other seminars from the end of October to January take place online, except for mentees’ peer group counselling. See the schedule below.
As a mentor, you can
- help students find their passion and meet their goals,
- contribute to the development of future professionals,
- make new connections among university alumni and staff,
- improve your knowledge of mentoring and share your experience,
- find an enthusiastic trainee or employee.
Some examples of forms of cooperation:
- providing professional advice and explaining the career path,
- support for setting the thesis focus and doing research,
- job shadowing,
- offering traineeship or a job.
As a student, you will get
- practical advice from experts to help you set and achieve your goals,
- the chance to take part in inspiring get-togethers and seminars,
- continuous and valuable support from your mentor,
- an advantage in the labour market,
- the opportunity to find a job or traineeship.
Some examples of forms of cooperation:
- getting professional advice,
- making self-development and career plans,
- finding a thesis supervisor,
- job shadowing,
- being offered a traineeship or a job.
The intensity of the programme depends on the agreement between the student and the mentor. To ensure effective collaboration and achievable goals, we encourage meeting at least once a month – 3 to 6 times over the course of the programme.
The following questions should be considered before entering into a mentoring relationship.
Communication. How do you plan to communicate with each other?
For example, you can agree to communicate by phone, online meetings or email. Choose a means and a time that works for both parties.
Mentoring focus. What are the expectations of both of you?
We recommend discussing your expectations and objectives before agreeing on the format of cooperation. Decide whether you will focus on professional advice, thesis supervision, job shadowing, traineeships or work experience, or developing a career plan. If possible, write down an action plan to make it easier to meet the targets.
Frequency of communication. How often would you like to meet?
Agree on meeting once a week, once a month or at any other interval that suits you.
The mentor and the student do not have to live in the same city or even the same country, as today’s communication tools make it possible to maintain a mentoring relationship from different parts of the world.
Commitment. How long could the cooperation last?
We recommend maintaining the mentoring relationship from the first meeting until at least the closing seminar. Applying for the mentoring programme requires that both parties are committed to working together and meeting the objectives.
However, the student could have a more active role, as top professionals and managers are usually very busy. The student should keep track of the action plan and be a good partner for the mentor, reminding them of upcoming activities and making efforts to complete tasks.
Mare Aru, Career Counsellor at the University of Tartu Counselling Centre
I have been a career counsellor for over 20 years and still get a lot of joy and satisfaction from supporting people in making plans for their studies and careers, and in shaping a rewarding life for themselves. In addition to counselling, training and coaching, I am also a mentor in the Association of Estonian Career Counsellors and have trained mentors for student organisations. I am also an alumna of the University of Tartu, where I received both my bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology.
Kristel Lään-Saarik, Career Counsellor and Head of the University of Tartu Counselling Centre
I have been a career counsellor for 15 years. In my current role, I can contribute more broadly to the field of support services, thinking about and planning how to support students during their studies. I hold both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Tartu, having studied psychology and educational management with a focus on mentoring. Mentoring has always fascinated me – I have had the opportunity to create the mentoring programme for the Association of Estonian Career Counsellors and to support career specialists as a mentor.
Kadri Kõiv, adult educator, communication skills trainer, supervisor
My work and calling to teach communication skills to adults began with my social work studies at the University of Tartu. Through my work, I have met people from many different companies and walks of life. It has been a truly fascinating journey, and I learn something new from every collaboration. A desire to offer even more personalised support to leaders and teams led me to study supervision and coaching a few years ago. Starting this autumn, I will take on a new role – as a junior lecturer in communication at the Institute of Education.
Anu Puulmann, Development Manager at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy
I hold the qualification of a Career Specialist, EstQF Level 7. Working with people is my passion, and I feel I am truly making a difference when I can help someone move closer to their dreams and goals. I have gained experience providing career information and career counselling in Estonia and Denmark. Having lived abroad for many years, I can work fluently in Estonian and English. I am a member of the Estonian Career Counsellors’ Association, the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and ICF Estonia.
Project Manager of Mentoring Programme Mairin Tann
Schedule of the 2025 mentoring programme
1 to 23 Sept applying for the programme
26 Sept to 2 Oct informing applicants of their admission to the programme*
NOTE! For mentors, all workshops will be held in Estonian (with simultaneous interpretation into English). For mentees, there will be separate workshops in Estonian and English.
- 8 Oct 16:00–18:30 joint opening seminar “How to build a successful mentoring relationship?” at the University of Tartu Library
- 29 Oct 15:30–17:30 mentors’ webinar “Using structured conversation models”
- 13 Nov 15:30–17:30 mentors’ webinar “How to support career planning?”
- mentees’ peer group counselling in Tartu (venue to be specified)
- 18 Nov 16:15–18:00 “Let’s share experiences!” for the English-speaking group, Kristel Lään-Saarik (University of Tartu Counselling Centre)
- 20 Nov 16:15–18:00 “How are you doing?” for the Estonian-speaking group, Mare Aru (University of Tartu Counselling Centre)
- 4 Dec 15:30-17:30 mentors’ peer group counselling for Estonian and English groups
- 22 Jan 2026 15:30–17:30 joint webinar with a guest lecturer
- 19 Feb 2026 16:00–18:00 joint closing seminar “Closing the programme and the mentoring relationship” in Tartu (venue to be specified)
*Mentoring pairs are created according to the expectations and match of the applicants in terms of specialisation. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to find a partner for every applicant.
The schedule and the programme are subject to change.
Further information:
[email protected]
