Program Overview

PhD Mentoring Program

The PhD Mentoring Program is a voluntary program open to all PhD and doctoral students at the Medical University of Vienna. The program offers support beyond formal supervision and aims to foster both academic orientation and personal development.

Program Description

Through mentoring, students gain the opportunity to reflect on their goals, broaden their perspectives, and exchange experiences with peers and senior academics. Key benefits of the PhD Mentoring Program include:

• Insights into academic career paths and research culture
• Support in career planning within and beyond academia
• Personal and professional development
• Peer exchange and networking across disciplines

How to Become a PhD Mentor

The training program for PhD Mentors at the Medical University of Vienna consists of two consecutive seminars:

1. A Basic Seminar (held annually in June)
2. An Advanced Seminar (held annually in September) Attendance at both seminars is mandatory and must be completed within one year.

Timeline

The timeline for the program is as follows:

1. Basic Seminar (June)
2. Creation of the individual mentor profile
3. Advanced Seminar (September)
4. Student registration (mid-October)
5. Start of mentoring groups (late October)
6. Group meetings approximately once per month
7. Completion of the mentoring year (end of June)

Content of the Basic Seminar

The Basic Seminar focuses on preparing participants for their role as PhD Mentors. Prospective mentors engage with questions such as:

• What characterizes an effective mentor?
• How can PhD/doctoral students be meaningfully supported and guided?
• How do I conceptualize my individual mentoring activities?
• What would I like to offer and pass on to students?
• What expectations do I have of my mentees?

Teaching Methods

The seminar uses the following teaching methods:

• Mini-Lectures
• Reflective Exercises
• Group discussions
• Q&A

Target Group

This seminar is open to faculty members interested in becoming PhD mentors. PhD mentors are experienced scientists from the Medical University of Vienna or affiliated research institutions who provide individual, long-term support to PhD and doctoral students.

Requirements for PhD Mentors

Prospective mentors are expected to demonstrate an appropriate mentoring mindset, including enthusiasm for working with young people, sufficient time availability, and strong communication skills. In addition, PhD Mentors must meet the following requirements:

• A completed PhD or equivalent doctoral degree
• Proficiency in English
• Familiarity with the local research environment at the Medical University of Vienna
• Completion of the mandatory seminars "Supervision of PhD students: Legal and Organizational Aspects" and "Motivation and Guidance of PhD Students"

Group Size and Duration

The maximum number of participants is 20, and the seminar lasts for 3 hours (0.1 ECTS).

Seminar Leader

The seminar is led by Dr.in Angelika Hofhansl, MME, Leiterin Medizindidaktik, Teaching Center, MedUni Wien.

Participation Fee

Participation is free for:

• Employees of the MedUni Wien
• External lecturers with a teaching assignment at the MedUni Wien
• Lecturers from the teaching hospitals of the MedUni Wien
• Accredited training practices in general medicine of the MedUni Wien