The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) launches a new mentoring programme under the MCAA Academy to support members exploring, preparing for, or actively pursuing careers beyond academia. Themed "Transitioning from academia to industry," the programme will begin in early November 2026, connecting mentors from diverse industry sectors with mentees interested in making a career shift. Applications for mentees close on 20 September, while the application period for mentors will remain open until 9 October 2026.
Building on the success of last year's pilot "Careers in the public sector" and following a needs assessment within the MCAA community, the new MCAA Academy mentoring programme will provide tailored support to researchers who are exploring career opportunities across industry sectors. These may include research and development, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consulting, innovation management, data science, science communication, sustainability, technology, business development, and others.
By pairing researchers with peers who have successfully transitioned from academia to industry, this six-month dedicated mentoring programme offers a platform for knowledge sharing, guidance, reflection, and personal and professional growth. Through one-on-one mentoring sessions, participants will gain practical insights into career pathways, deepen their understanding of recruitment processes and workplace cultures, identify and enhance their transferable skills, and make informed decisions with confidence.
In addition to supporting individual career development, the programme aims to strengthen connections and mutual understanding between academia and industry while fostering a culture of exchange and peer support within the MCAA community rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Who can apply
The mentoring programme is free and open to MCAA members. We are looking for mentors who:
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Have at least one year of experience in industry or industry-facing roles, with practical knowledge of career paths, recruitment processes, workplace cultures, and professional growth.
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Are willing to share their personal experiences and lessons learned to help guide mentees’ career decisions.
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Have strong communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills, and are committed to a supportive mentoring relationship.
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Are available for at least four mentoring sessions over six months, with flexibility for additional meetings or communication as agreed.
We are also looking for mentees who:
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Are interested in exploring careers in industry or industry-facing roles while being open to learning about various sectors, career pathways, and workplace cultures.
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Are doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, researchers, or academics considering a transition beyond academia.
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Are available for at least four mentoring sessions and additional training or activities over six months.
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Are willing to prepare for mentoring sessions, reflect on feedback, and take ownership of their professional development.
Please note that the application period for mentees is open until 20 September and for mentors until 9 October 2026.
Benefits for mentors and mentees
The programme provides mentors with an opportunity to make a significant impact on the career development of fellow researchers while also improving their own leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. By sharing practical insights and lessons learned, mentors help others navigate important career decisions. Additionally, by engaging with researchers from diverse backgrounds and career stages, mentors can broaden their networks and enrich their perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive research and innovation community.
Through the programme, mentees gain access to personalised career guidance from professionals who have successfully transitioned from academia to industry. In addition to learning about a variety of sectors and career pathways, mentees can develop a clearer understanding of their transferable skills, strengthen their professional profile, and create a realistic roadmap for their own transition. Furthermore, by strengthening relationships and expanding their networks, mentees can build confidence to pursue opportunities beyond academia and adapt to new professional environments.
Timeline
MCAA members interested in participating in the mentoring programme are invited to apply to be mentees by 20 September or mentors by 9 October 2026. The mentoring programme is expected to begin in early November 2026 and will run for approximately six months. Please note that these dates are provisional and may be adjusted.
Selected and confirmed applicants are required to attend the mandatory induction and onboarding meeting, which will take place in late October 2026. During the programme, each mentor-mentee pair is expected to have one meeting per month or a minimum of four meetings throughout the programme.
How to apply
To apply, you must first register on the MCAA Academy platform (for MCAA members only). Registration is free and will be manually verified within a few business days.
Once you receive an email notification confirming your acceptance to the platform, you must log in and apply for the mentoring programme as a mentor or a mentee. Please note that you cannot apply for both roles. If you apply for both mentor and mentee roles, your application will not be considered.
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
