Martin Bock was one of the first alumni to join the mentoring scheme and has been mentoring multiple students since.

He also volunteers as a Lesepate and reads with and to primary school pupils in order to build their reading skills and kindle a love of science.

Q: What motivated you to get involved as a mentor?

A. As a mentor I hoped to pass on both good and bad experiences to the younger generation. Both mentor and mentee can learn a lot from each other’s experiences.    

Q: Which topics did you discuss most?

A: Just a few examples: In which industry could my degree be in demand? Where do I want to work? Do I want to be an employee, self-employed or a public servant? In which region? How can I maintain a healthy work life balance? Which failures can be avoided?

Q: Did you also learn something from your mentee?

A: My mentees showed me what it means to be a student in the 21^st century.

Q: What has been your most valuable experience as a mentor?

A: Treating each other fair and with respect has been the most important part of being a mentor for me – old and young should be working hand in hand!

Q: What piece of advice would you give to new and first-time mentors?

A: First-time mentors should be curious and willing to learn from their mentees – meet on equal footing!