Connector – The EACD Mentorship Programme

Eligibility

The EACD mentorship programme is available only to EACD members (those who paid their annual personal membership at the time of the application to the mentorship programme). The working language is English.

Objectives

1. Knowledge and career goals.
2. Foster networking opportunities and knowledge exchange within the communication field across EACD member countries and industries.
3. Cultivate leadership and mentorship skills among experienced professionals.

Target Participants

Mentees: Early- and mid-career professionals working in or individuals transitioning into communication, public relations, marketing communications or related roles.

Mentors: Experienced communication professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience in roles such as public relations, corporate communications, marketing communication, or related fields.

Mentees are expected to: 

• Actively participate in the mentorship programme, demonstrating commitment to personal and professional development.
• Set clear goals and objectives for the mentorship period, seeking guidance and support from the mentor in achieving them.
• Be open to feedback, learning opportunities, and constructive criticism provided by the mentor.
• Build trust with their mentor so that they both feel comfortable with each other.
• Be willing to learn and grow but also to share their knowledge with mentors in return.

Mentors should: 

• Be good role models.
• Be professionals that act with integrity at all times.
• Be willing to share their knowledge and expertise with their mentee.
• Support mentees in setting and achieving their career goals, including skill development, networking, and professional growth.
• Love what they do and be enthusiastic about sharing their passion with others.
• Be prepared to offer guidance and feedback to mentees with empathy and wisdom.

Already clear that this programme is for you? APPLY HERE and choose if you are putting yourself forward as a mentee or a mentor
Make sure to register with the same email address associated with your membership, to speed up administrative checks.
If you are not yet an EACD member and would like to take part in the Connector mentorship programme, apply for membership here.

Programme Details

Timeline 

The next round of the EACD Mentorship Programme will start after the EACD Summit 2025 for a 6-month period between July and December 2025.

The mentorship programme normally runs for 6 months, with an option to extend further, based on a mutual agreement between mentor and mentee.

Structure 

The programme follows a one-to-one mentorship format, allowing mentors and mentees to establish personalised relationships and focus on individual goals and needs.

Matching Process 

Mentor-mentee pairs are matched based on the following criteria:

• Professional background and expertise.
• Career goals and areas of interest.
• Compatibility in communication styles and personalities.

Communication 

Mentors and mentees will communicate primarily through virtual meetings (platform of their choice), email correspondence, phone calls and others, with the option for in-person meetings if feasible.

What’s in it for mentors?

Participating in a mentorship programme can be incredibly rewarding for senior professionals as well. Here are some key benefits:

1. Personal satisfaction: Mentoring allows senior professionals to share their knowledge and experience, which can be deeply fulfilling. It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
2. Leadership development: Mentoring helps senior professionals refine their leadership skills. Guiding others can enhance their ability to manage, inspire, and support teams.
3. Networking opportunities: Mentorship programmes expand one’s professional network. Mentors can connect with other professionals, both senior and junior, fostering valuable relationships.
4. Reverse mentoring: Senior professionals can learn from their mentees, gaining fresh perspectives and insights, especially on new technologies and trends.
5. Emotional wellbeing: Mentoring can boost emotional wellbeing by providing a sense of purpose and reducing feelings of isolation.
6. Continuous learning: Mentors often find themselves learning new things from their mentees, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Would you like to know more about how to get involved in the EACD Mentorship programme as a mentor? Contact us at [email protected]