Professor MSO Janine Leschke had already participated in the program as a mentor once before mentoring for Aixa Alemán-Díaz, and believes working with junior faculty makes a lot of sense.

“I always enjoy my academic exchanges with junior staff, as I find them to be extremely engaged and motivated. Thus, the cross-departmental mentor program seemed to be a good continuation while also providing the possibility to engage more closely and possibly provide some support. Also, as an editor of an academic journal and lead partner in several EU projects, I hoped to be able to contribute useful perspectives. I also liked the cross-departmental dimension of the program as this allows you to look beyond department-specific perspectives and provide broader inputs,” she says.

In a big bubble

Aixa Alemán-Díaz, who came to Denmark from Puerto Rico, had tried a similar program previously. She believes that in addition to facilitating networking, the program also encourages learning about different perspectives on common questions and challenges.

“When you are in your own department, it’s like being in a bubble – a big bubble. And that’s nice, but I think the way to solve problems in the future will be across disciplines, which is why you need connections outside your bubble. This program helps build relationships and push academic boundaries,” she says.

Professor MSO Janine Leschke has been in the mentor program twice and highly recommends it. (Photo: CBS)

Although being a mentor often means you are in a better position to share knowledge and expertise, Janine Leschke has also gained useful advice herself.

“I’ve been impressed by my mentees’ high level of activity and motivation. I find it extremely rewarding and inspiring to discuss their projects and ideas with them. I have also been given useful advice myself on online teaching and other subjects,” she says.

In fact, Aixa Alemán-Díaz likes the mentoring program so much that she is considering becoming a mentor, and mentions that her department has a matching between PhD Fellows that serves kind of like a mentorship program.

“The program pairs you up with senior faculty, but maybe they could consider having PhD fellows who are mentors, so they can mentor PhD Fellows who have just started. I would consider applying for something like that,” she says.

Presented with Aixa Aleman-Diaz’ idea, Kirsten Hansen says:

“That’s a good idea. Mentoring is great in different constellations. Being a PhD Fellow is special, so talking to other PhD Fellows is a good idea. We could talk to the PhD School about it, as they run an entire program for the new PhD Fellows,” she says.

Investing time in CBS pays back

Janine Leschke, Aixa Alemán-Díaz and Kirsten Hansen all advise their fellow research colleagues to apply for the program – whether as mentors or mentees.

“Besides participating in exciting and rewarding academic exchanges across departments and between senior and junior faculty, you might be able to make a difference for junior staff by providing them with an additional (outside) perspective on top of the views of their direct supervisors or co-authors,” says Janine Leschke.

Kirsten Hansen says the following to staff members who are thinking about applying to become mentees:

“You should apply, as it is a way of investing your time in CBS, and getting more out of that time. And I believe you can become a better researcher and academic from participating in the program,” she says and adds about the mentors:

“I would like to encourage potential mentors to sign up because they want to share their knowledge and experience with younger faculty members, and it’s a great way to make it easier for them to settle in at CBS. And then you should also do it to expand your own network and learn from the new colleagues.”

The application deadline for mentors and mentees is January 17, 2020, and according to Kirsten Hansen, every applicant is usually accepted on the program. In past years, about 10 to 15 mentees and mentors have joined the scheme.

Research