What role does your mentor play? Can you tell us about any situations in which their support has been helpful to you?
Elina Steinke: My mentor has accompanied me since my second project and continues to support me today. The contacts that my mentor was able to provide me with have opened up a second network for me. My mentor and his network have always been a great help to me, especially when it comes to technical questions.
Johannes Weth: The mentor is very important for me, too – being able to share experiences was particularly helpful in my time during the MEP. This second opinion was always an indispensable source of guidance for me. For example, my mentor advised me on selecting my third project and on looking for a permanent role after completing the trainee program. For me, this was a very trusting, private and professional exchange that taught me a huge amount.
Many trainees report that the network they build up over the 18 months plays a special role for them. How have you benefited from your network so far?
Elina Steinke: First of all, I would not have found out about the program in the first place without talking to a trainee. Due to the Covid pandemic, I unfortunately didn’t get to meet most of the MEP network in person until quite late on. Nevertheless, there was a constant exchange via Teams or, if we happened to be in the office together, over a cup of coffee. That’s how I learned about new projects and exciting opportunities. Another example is that if you’re interested in a certain department at a certain location, you can just ask the network if anyone has done a project there before. Usually, you exchange experiences with that person and find out who you could contact at the site.
Johannes Weth: Especially while searching for projects, the network was a great help for me. But even in my present position, after completing the program, I can still lean on the network. Through these connections, I have contacts in almost all areas of both divisions and have developed some personal friendships that continue to this day.