Frequently asked questions
English version below
- What is the difference between KIVI coaches and mentors?
- KIVI coaches are experienced KIVI members with work and coaching experience who help with career questions. They support KIVI members with career moves or setting up a startup.
- Mentors are experienced female engineers who guide less experienced engineers. They share their knowledge and experiences and act as role models.
- Do I have to participate in all sessions if I join the mentoring programme?
No, only session 1 is compulsory. This is the matchmaking session where mentors and mentees are paired together.
Sessions 2 to 5 are soft skills workshops and optional, but we strongly recommend attending them. They help with your professional development and provide a chance to keep in touch with your mentor and network. Session 6 is the concluding session and provides space for reflection and wrap-up.
You can also discuss the sessions with your mentor and see together how you can apply the insights in practice.
- Can I join the mentoring programme if I miss session 1?
No, participation in session 1 is mandatory to be assigned a mentor. We cannot make a match without this session.
However, you can participate in sessions 2-6. These are open to everyone. You can also work on your own development with the help of a KIVI coach and the soft skill sessions. Contact us via email or LinkedIn if you have any questions about this.
- How are mentees and mentors matched?
Based on a questionnaire, mentees and mentors are paired for up to three speed dates during session 1. After these interviews, both mentee and mentor indicate with whom they felt a professional click. Final matches are made based on this feedback.
- How many contact moments are there with my mentor/mentee?
Based on a questionnaire, mentees and mentors are paired for up to three speed dates during session 1. After these interviews, both mentee and mentor indicate with whom they felt a professional click. Final matches are made based on this feedback.
- What are the requirements to be a mentor?
A mentor should be an experienced engineer with at least 10 years of work experience and have a clear idea in which she can mentor a mentee.
Experienced engineers can also sign up as both mentor and mentee. This way, you can support a starting engineer on the one hand and get guidance yourself in your own development path on the other.
- Any questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between KIVI coaches and mentors?
- KIVI coaches are experienced KIVI members with work and coaching experience who assist with career-related questions. They support KIVI members in making career moves or starting a business.
- Mentors are experienced female engineers who guide less experienced engineers. They share their knowledge and experiences and act as role models.
- Do I have to attend all sessions if I join the mentoring programme?
No, only session 1 is mandatory. This is the matchmaking session where mentors and mentees are paired.
Sessions 2 to 5 are soft skills workshops and optional, but we strongly recommend attending them. They help with your professional development and provide opportunities to stay connected with your mentor and network. Session 6 is the closing session, offering space for reflection and wrap-up.
You can also discuss the sessions with your mentor and explore how to apply the insights in practice.
- Can I join the mentoring programme if I miss session 1?
No, attending session 1 is mandatory to be assigned a mentor. Without this session, we cannot make a match.
However, you can still participate in sessions 2-6. These are open to everyone. You can also work on your development with the help of a KIVI coach and the soft skills sessions. Contact us via email or LinkedIn if you have any questions.
- How are mentees and mentors matched?
Based on a questionnaire, mentees and mentors are paired for up to three speed dates during session 1. After these conversations, both mentee and mentor indicate with whom they felt a professional connection. Final matches are made based on this feedback.
- How many contact moments will I have with my mentor/mentee?
This depends on the mentee's goals and the availability of both parties. It is the mentee's responsibility to maintain contact and schedule meetings.
We recommend discussing during the speed dates how often you want to meet and whether that will be online or in person.
- What are the requirements to be a mentor?
A mentor must be an experienced engineer with at least 10 years of work experience and a clear idea of how they can guide a mentee.
Experienced engineers can also sign up as both mentor and mentee. This way, you can support a starting engineer while receiving guidance for your own development.
- Any questions?

