Apply for the MCAA Academy Mentoring Programme: Careers in the Public Sector

by Communication Team


The new pilot programme for MCAA members connects mentors with mentees interested in fields in the public sector, including policy, education, healthcare, and beyond, fostering professional growth and personal development. Applications for mentees close on April 10, 2025, while the application period for mentors will be open until April 21, 2025.

The MCAA Academy Mentoring Programme Careers in the Public Sector is designed to support MCAA members who aspire to make a meaningful impact through volunteering and sharing their experiences with peers. The programme aims to empower participants to navigate transitions, enhance skills, and build resilience by providing guidance tailored to public sector careers' unique challenges and opportunities.
 

Objectives


Through the mentoring programme, we aim to:

  • Facilitate knowledge transfer on career opportunities and pathways in the public sector.
  • Highlight the importance of essential soft skills, including communication, conflict management, time management, work-life balance, and collaboration.
  • Foster meaningful relationships by sharing best practices in mentoring.
  • Strengthen connections between academia, research, and the public sector, bridging gaps and creating synergies for impactful careers.
  • Cultivate a sense of camaraderie within the MCAA community.
     

Who can apply?


Mentors:

We are looking for mentors who:

  • Are MCAA members.
  • Have more than two years of experience in public sector roles, such as civil service, international organisations, policy development, public health, education, or law enforcement.
  • Are familiar with career pathways in the public sector, including required qualifications, application processes, and key skills.
  • Have strong communication and active listening skills.
  • Are available for regular check-ins with mentees (e.g., monthly meetings, email or video calls).
     

Moreover, mentors should have or be open to developing the following:

  • Ability to provide constructive feedback, encourage skill development, and foster professional growth.
  • Patience, empathy, and the ability to motivate mentees.
  • Awareness and sensitivity to workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
     

Mentees*:

We are looking for mentees who:

  • Are MCAA members.
  • Do not have experience but are interested in public sector roles, such as civil service, international organisations, policy development, public health, education or law enforcement.
  • Are early-career professionals, recent graduates, or individuals transitioning to the public sector.
  • Can commit to regular meetings with their mentor (e.g. monthly check-ins, email, or video calls) and act on guidance provided.

*Please note that the call for mentees closes on April 10, 2025.
 

Why should you join?


Benefits of becoming a mentor:

  • Skill enhancement: Mentoring is a great way for mentors to sharpen their leadership and communication skills while helping their mentees grow.
  • Networking opportunities: Being a mentor is also a chance to expand your professional network by connecting with diverse mentees and fellow mentors.
  • Personal fulfilment: There’s a sense of joy and accomplishment in giving back to the community, watching others succeed and knowing you played a part in someone’s journey

Benefits of becoming a mentee:

  • Career guidance: Mentees get tailored advice on their career goals, skill-building and various professional options.
  • Exposure to opportunities: As a mentee, you can explore different career paths, including options beyond academia, based on the valuable insights from your mentors.
  • Increased confidence: Mentorship helps you build resilience and confidence as a mentee, making it easier to pursue your aspirations while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
     

Timeline


The programme application period for mentees is open until April 10 and for mentors until April 21. The programme is scheduled to start on May 14, 2025.

The mentoring programme will run for six months. During this time, each mentor-mentee pair is expected to have one meeting per month or a minimum of four meetings.
 

How to apply?


To apply, you must first register on the MCAA Academy platform (for MCAA members only). The registrations will be verified manually within 1-2 working days.

Once you receive an email notification about your acceptance on the platform, you must log in and apply for the Mentoring Programme as a mentee or mentor. Please note that you cannot apply for both roles.

For any questions, kindly contact us at career.support@mariecuriealumni.eu. 

REGISTER