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 at HZDR or TU Dresden 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/TU Dresden 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: link
• 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 HZDR/TUD postdocs ≤ 12 years after PhD – the Career Center covers the cost)

Application deadline: May 27, 2025