The Hertie School Centre for Sustainability invites female students interested in the topic of sustainability to join a pilot mentoring programme, aiming at empowering young women to enter traditionally masculine professions in climate and energy policy.
Sustainability is a topic crucial for the future of our planet. Yet, when it comes to climate policy or energy policy, related industries and occupations tend to be male dominated. We want to change it and overcome this cliche. To do so, we have developed a pilot mentoring programme for our students.
The Women in Sustainability Mentoring Programme is an offer for first- and second-year female* Hertie students of graduate programmes (MPP, MIA, MDS), with the purpose of providing orientation for non-academic career in the field and encouraging young women to enter traditionally masculine professions. The programme aims to explore the characteristics of the climate, energy, and sustainability scene in Germany and Europe, unpack the main trends in the field and explain entry requirements. Most importantly, we also want to address the main barriers limiting women's access to these industries and present professional women networks for mutual support and advice.
The pilot phase will commence in September 2021 and finish in May 2022. A small group of successful applicants will be meeting with female experts and practitioners to exchange in safe spaces on the challenges and opportunities of the sustainability scene. The pilot phase offers two such encounters over the academic year 2021/2022, one per semester. We hope to develop the programme by adding new formats and modules in the coming years.
Application procedure
If you would like to join the programme as a mentee, please apply via the online form below, by September 30, 2021. The first cohort of successful applicants will be announced on October 15, 2021.
In order to create a safe and supportive environment based on mutual trust and understanding, the number of places is limited to max. 8 participants. Please note only selected candidates will join this year's edition of the programme.
Successful candidates must demonstrate their academic/research interest in topics related to climate, energy or sustainability as well as be willing to professionally develop in these directions (for example through internships, professional years).
Students of the 2nd year have priority as multiple applications throughout the time of study are possible.
*This programme is designed for female-identified students.