• Mentors get to build and practice soft skills such as active listening, communication, leadership, empathy, problem-solving, cultural awareness, facilitation, and more in a real-life setting.
• Mentors can build out their professional network in a natural and authentic way.
• Mentors help fellow doctoral candidates with challenges.
• Mentors will take part in 3 dedicated group coaching sessions and 1 individual coaching sessions to dive into common challenges, explore personal challenges, and receive tailored guidance.
• Mentors will receive 3 ECTS after completion of the program.

You can apply using the QR code or by clicking this link, opens an external URL in a new window.

Application period

Applications for mentors will open on June 1, 2026.

Mentor training will take place at the beginning of October.

Mentor-mentee support is expected to be ongoing from October 2026 to April 2027.

Application process

Mentors will be required to submit a 3-minute application video as part of the application process.

1. Review application questions listed below and prepare your answers.
2. Record a 3-minute video answering the questions; you can use the video function on your phone, Zoom, or any other means; save the file to your desktop.
3. Go to the application form and fill in your details.
4. Then upload your video as an mp4 file in the form.
5. Submit the form.

You will receive information about next steps from P2P DOC Team via your TU Wien email, after your application has been formally evaluated.

Application questions

Please include your answers to the following 8 questions in your 3-minute application video:

1. About myself: full first and last name, semester you’re currently in, role at TU Wien, academic focus
2. Why am I interested in serving as a mentor for the Peer2Peer DOC program?
3. How much time can I dedicate every week / month to my role as a mentor?
4. Do I have past experience as a mentor or mentee?
5. What can I do to help and support a new doctoral candidate as a mentor?
6. I know that I’ve been successful with supporting my mentee when I see or hear the following outcomes / results / feedback …
7. What do I hope to gain personally from serving as a mentor in the Peer2Peer DOC program?
8. To best prepare me for my role as a mentor, I’d like to receive information on or support from the Peer2Peer DOC Team about the following …

Evaluation and communication

The P2P DOC Team will evaluate mentor applications solely based on the responses submitted via the 3-minute application video. Since mentors will receive training for their role and guidance throughout the program, no prior mentoring experience is needed.

For the 2026/27 cohort, applications will be reviewed in September, and applicants will be notified shortly after that. Mentors will be informed about their acceptance into the program exclusively via their TU Wien email addresses.

Matching between mentors and mentees will be performed on a rolling basis, and connections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Mandatory mentor training for all P2P DOC mentors

• Virtual Mentor Briefing by P2P DOC Team: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00 to 12:00
• In-Person mentor training – Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking with Lisa Sigl: Friday, October 2, 2026, 10:00 to 14:00
• In-Person Mentor Training – Inclusivity & Cultural Awareness with Maria Geir: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 10:00 to 14:00
• 3 group coaching sessions for mentors
• 1 individual coaching session for each mentor

Mandatory mentor exchange and support

• 3 virtual Mentor Meetings: dates and times to be determined by mentors together
• 1 virtual Mentor Check-In with P2P DOC Team: February 2027

Mandatory mentor-mentee meetings

• In-Person Kick-Off Event including matching of mentors and mentees: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 10:00 to 13:00
• 10 individual Mentor-Mentee Meetings: in person or virtually; based on preference and availability
• In-person P2P DOC Get-Together with all mentors and mentees: December 2026
• In-Person P2P DOC Celebration with all mentors and mentees: Tuesday, April 20, 2027, 10:00 to 13:00