Cross-Mentoring "Leadership"

Develop leadership – gain new perspectives – build strong networks

You want to strengthen your leadership skills or explore whether a leadership role is right for you? Then our Cross-Mentoring Program is a great fit – practical, confidential, and with fresh perspectives beyond your current environment.

What is Cross-Mentoring?

In Cross-Mentoring, mentees and mentors from different regional organizations form tandems – free from internal hierarchies, open to honest exchange on leadership topics. The program is coordinated by the Career Center in cooperation with Cross Consult.

Program Highlights:

• Duration: 1 year, starting October 23, 2025
• Monthly one-on-one mentoring meetings
• Framework program (approx. 7 days): see here
• Workshops on topics such as self-assessment, influence, diversity, peer coaching
• Language: German; tandem meetings can be held in English if preferred

Costs:

Participation fee: €3,750 per mentee
A written confirmation from your supervisor approving your participation and full cost coverage is required – except for postdoctoral researchers whose PhD was completed within the past 12 years. In these cases, the Career Center covers the costs.

Who can apply as a mentee?
HZDR employees with a valid employment contract until at least October 31, 2026 and a clear leadership perspective. Full participation in all program dates is expected.

Interested in becoming a mentor?
Want to share your leadership experience? Email us at careercenter@hzdr.de. Participation as a mentor is free of charge.

Application documents:

• Completed application form
• Motivation letter (included in the form): Describe your next career goals and how the program can support you
• Tabular CV
• Written confirmation from your supervisor:
  • approval of your participation
  • commitment to cover the full cost (€3,750)
    (not required for postdocs ≤ 12 years after PhD – the Career Center covers the cost)