Inspiring speeches and first meetings
The ceremony was opened by Katarzyna Liberska-Kinderman, Head of the UniLodz Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, who welcomed all guests, especially the mentors and students. The inauguration marks the official beginning of the mentoring process, which will run from January to June. It is also an opportunity for the first in-person meeting and forging relationships. The official part was preceded by a one-hour workshop for mentors and mentees.
The mentorship programme is an initiative we're very proud of. We've been developing it for years, building a friendly academic community with you. It's a unique programme as part of which successful people from business, culture, media and sports share their experiences, imparting knowledge that students don't learn during the classes. They share their reflections on building a career path, but also on what to be guided by in everyday life
– Prof. Radosław Olszewski, the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for Academic and External Relation.
Wiktora Wośko, a mentee from the 12th edition of the programme, also graced the event with a keynote address. She told an inspiring story that served as a metaphor for the role of a mentor in a young person's life. She also offered some tips on how to make the most of time spent working in pairs.
At the end of the official portion, Piotr Kociołek addressed the importance of mentoring in educating and shaping young people. He underlined that working together was a time for building competencies for future careers, but also for strengthening character, establishing priorities and setting life goals.
Link to the full list of mentorship pairs
Support for mentors
This year's mentors will be supported by Piotr Kociołek, an experienced trainer, coach and a lecturer. Throughout the programme, webinars and meetings are planned to provide opportunities to strengthen their roles and discuss specific situations. This is all to ensure that mentees can derive maximum benefit from the entire process and mentors feel satisfied with their work.
Mentorship programme – a chance for a better start
The University of Lodz Mentorship Programme was established in 2013 and is run by a community of VIP Alumni and students (mentees) who, under the guidance of experienced mentors, want to learn how to effectively plan their professional futures, strengthen their soft skills and increase their self-esteem. The mentoring process allows for the development of relationships based on mutual respect, trust and inspiration.
Nearly 450 mentees and over 100 mentors have participated in the programme so far. Thanks to this initiative, the University of Lodz is strengthening its position as a university founded on cooperation, respect and curiosity.
We are pleased to invite you to take part in the 14th edition
The next edition of the programme will start in October 2026. However, we are already encouraging students from all faculties of the University of Lodz to participate in the initiative. Those interested can apply via the form to receive information about the next round of applications.
The programme is organised by the Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, which is responsible for, among other things, supporting mentors and mentees.
Source: Jolanta Lechowska-Białecka
Zdjęcia: Bartosz Kałużny
Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
