Mentorship Programme

The StandICT.eu Mentorship Programme aims to accompany newcomers, early-career experts, and SME or academic professionals who are interested in standardisation or in the Open Calls to learn about the technical work, benefit from practical tips, and expand their professional network. 

In this context, experienced mentors (and notably returning StandICT.eu fellows) are matched with the participating mentees to support their journey, depending on their areas of expertise and practical needs. Active participation to the programme, either as mentor or mentees, is also positively recognised for the evaluation in the context of the StandICT.eu Open Calls, for those that intend to apply.

Mentoring a new generation of European standardisation experts

Effective participation in standardisation requires technical expertise but also familiarity with complex procedural frameworks, governance structures, and informal practices within Standards Developing Organisations. 

The initiative is designed to help new or less experienced experts engage effectively in the work of Standards Developing Organisations by providing them with guidance, practical tips, and mentorship from seasoned professionals. This allows consolidated experts to share their knowledge with a new generation of European professionals, helping to ensure that the European Union maintains a strong and sustainable standardisation knowledge base for the future.

How to Join the Mentorship Programme 

Participation in the Mentorship Programme is open to all ICT professionals across Europe. Both prospective mentors and mentees are invited to apply through the dedicated registration form.

Once selected, participants are expected to demonstrate their commitment to make the most from the experience, particularly for mentees and experts who have applied to, or intend to apply to the Open Calls. 

Need more information? Please check the FAQs or contact us!

What is the purpose of the Mentorship Programme?

The programme supports newcomers in European standardisation by connecting them with more experienced experts. It allows mentees to learn about the processes of Standards Developing Organisations (SDOs), benefit from practical tips, and expand their professional network. At the same time, mentors contribute to passing on their knowledge to a new generation of experts, helping to strengthen the overall European standardisation community.

What are the benefits of participating in the Programme?

For mentees, the programme offers guidance from experienced fellows, helping them better understand the European and international standardisation ecosystem and improve their chances of success in open calls. It is also a valuable opportunity to build connections within the community, gain practical insights into committee work, and increase visibility through success stories and other communication activities. For mentors, participation is a way to share their knowledge with a new generation of experts while expanding their own network. It provides recognition for their efforts, strengthens their visibility and reputation in the standardisation community, and contributes to ensuring continuity of expertise at European level. Further opportunities for recognition are also being developed to highlight the contribution of active participants even more.

How does the pairing work?

Each mentee is paired with two mentors. The matching is based on the relevance of expertise, main standardisation topics, and the SDOs where participants are active. Pairings are initiated by the programme team, who introduce mentors and mentees via email and suggest first steps. Mentees may also request additional contacts with other mentors if needed.

What is expected from mentors and mentees?

Mentors and mentees are free to organise their interaction in the way that best suits them. Common practices include:

• One-to-one exchanges and introductory calls.
• Sharing of relevant resources and documentation.
• Invitations to relevant meetings, conferences, working groups or other relevant activities are welcome and encouraged

It is recommended that mentees initiate the first call, clarifying the areas where they seek guidance. A short, regular check-in (for example every two weeks) is encouraged to maintain continuity.

How long does the mentorship last?

The mentorship period is flexible and typically follows the duration of the mentee’s fellowship. While there is an official timeframe, participants are welcome to continue their exchanges beyond it, if they wish.

How is feedback collected?

At the end of each mentorship cycle, a feedback process is organised to reflect on the experiences and identify improvements. Participants are invited to share their input, either during a dedicated feedback session or through a short questionnaire.

Is there additional material that can support the initiative?

The StandICT.eu Training Academy offers material to elevate your expertise in ICT standardisation and learn through comprehensive training modules. It caters to a wide range of professionals from startups to SMEs, large companies and government representatives.

Will success stories be shared?

If both mentor and mentee agree, highlights from their collaboration may be featured on the programme’s website. This provides visibility to participants and showcases the value of the initiative to the wider community.

If agreed upon by the participants, a success story displaying the fruitful process between the mentor and the mentee will further be displayed on the StandICT.eu website, giving additional credit and visibility to the participants which accepted to take time in participating in this programme.