The mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna invited graduates of an artistic or artistic-pedagogical subject at the mdw, who are pursuing a university career, to participate in a mentoring programme lasting several months. Given that the music and arts industry in general, and arts universities in particular, continue to be characterised by structural gender inequalities, which are reflected in the underrepresentation of female professors and artists in university leadership positions, the programme aims to take action to counteract the unequal treatment of women, inter* and non-binary persons in the course of their artistic and educational careers.
Programme 2024
The mdw Mentoring Programme is composed of four elements: a skills training, mentoring in small groups, one-to-one coaching and the peer group. The three skills training modules represent a significant component of this mentoring programme. They serve to convey knowledge on career-relevant topics, to analyse the artistic and university working environment, to expand upon and hone soft skills, and to reflect as a peer group on the content covered. The project of developing a personal roadmap for one’s artistic and artistic-pedagogical career accompanies the mentees through all three modules with corresponding focuses on various skill sets.
The international mentors work with small groups of three people. This form of mentoring enables individual guidance, support, and personal exchange with an international mentor. At the same time, there is also an intensive exchange with the peers, who support and advise each other collegially.
Furthermore, participants can take advantage of up to two coaching appointments with experienced coaches.
Skills training
The modules are designed to provide knowledge on career-related topics, analyze artistic and academic fields, and develop and strengthen soft skills and reflective abilities.
For insights on more details, please switch to the German version of this website.
Mentoring in small groups
The mentoring programme is designed to support strategic career development within an academic context and is therefore not focused on the content or specific aspects of the participants’ own artistic disciplines.
The international mentors work with small groups of three mentees. This form of mentoring enables individual guidance, support and personal interaction with a mentor. At the same time, there is also an intensive exchange with peers, who support and advise one another in a collegial manner.
One-to-one coaching (optional)
The coaching sessions with experienced coaches are designed to help participants focus in depth on their own professional concerns, goals and career development opportunities within the university context. In addition to the mentoring programme, mentees may, if required, take part in up to two coaching sessions (in person or online) for a maximum of three months following the end of the programme (early 2025).
Peer-Group & Peer-Mentoring
The group of twelve mentees meets regularly as part of the skills training programme and in online meetings. This peer group encourages the exchange of knowledge and experiences among colleagues and helps to expand and strengthen participants’ own artistic and academic networks. All peer mentoring sessions are listed in the timetable.
Follow-up
The follow-up session is dedicated to reflecting on learning outcomes, looking ahead to future projects and providing feedback on the mentoring programme.
Winter 2024/25
A programme within the framework of the mdw Diversity Strategy, initiated by the Administrative Department for Equity, Gender & Diversity in cooperation with the Human Resources Development - Center for Further Education (ZfW).