Reach higher, reach beyond.
mdw-Mentoring programm for artistis and pre- and postdocs (women, inter* and non-binary persons) who aspire to an academic career
Since 2021, the mdw has been inviting artists, scientists and artistic researchers to strategically plan their academic careers and further develop in exchange with colleagues and international mentors as part of mentoring programmes.
In light of the fact that academic life continues to be characterised by structural gender inequalities that can be seen in the underrepresentation of women, inter* and non-binary persons as professors, this programme is designed as a concrete measure to help counteract such unequal treatment over the course of one’s academic career.
What is this mdw mentoring programme?
This mdw mentoring programme is a several-month career development programme for scientists, artistic researchers and graduates of an artistic or artistic-pedagogical subject at the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna that aims to provide support to women, inter* and non-binary individuals in the strategic planning of their academic careers.
The programme is built upon the following elements:
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It makes available the expertise of mentors who are renowned in the international art-university context to small groups of three mentees each
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It encourages networking and peer mentoring as central programme elements
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It views the promotion of women in the context of diversity and intersectionality
The mdw mentoring programme makes it possible to ...
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... reflection on one’s current professional standing as a researcher or artist within the university context
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... develop a roadmap for one’s academic career path
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... plan concrete next steps in one’s career
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... establish and develop contacts and academic networks
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... critically discuss overall structural conditions and one’s positioning therein
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... analyse mechanisms of power as well as gender relations in academic life and join forces to point out strategies of action
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... acquire skills for the realisation of one’s professional goals
Programme
The mdw Mentoring Programme is composed of four elements: a skills training, one-to-one coaching, mentoring in small groups, 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 overall academic working environment, to expand upon and hone soft skills, and to reflect as a peer group on the content covered.
How much does the mdw mentoring programme cost?
The costs of the mdw mentoring programme are covered by the mdw. The contribution of participating mentees consists of mandatory attendance and active participation in all parts of the programme.
A report on the first mentoring programme for Prae and Post Docs at the mdw in 2021, including statements from the mentees, can be found in mdwMagazin.