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ProMotivation – Mentoring for Female and TIN* Students and Graduates in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Decision support for a possible PhD
Choosing whether to pursue a doctorate is a complex and highly individual process. ProMotivation supports students and graduates in the humanities and social sciences in reflecting on whether a PhD fits their academic interests, skills, and life plans.

Focus of the programme
At the centre is the question: Is a doctoral path the right next step for me?
Participants gain structured guidance, peer exchange, and realistic insights into academic career paths.

Mentoring and programme structure
The programme runs over one year and combines:

  • One-to-one mentoring with experienced doctoral or postdoctoral researchers
  • Structured programme elements (kick-off, workshops, reflection sessions, closing event)
  • Peer exchange and networking with other participants

What participants gain

  • Realistic insight into academic work and career structures
  • Space for reflection on personal goals and decisions
  • Support in developing clarity and confidence regarding next steps

Target group
Students and graduates in the humanities and social sciences in the final phase of their studies or shortly after graduation. No formal commitment to a PhD is required.

Mentors
Mentors are advanced doctoral researchers or postdocs who share experience, offer guidance, and support reflection on academic career options.

Impact
Evaluation results indicate high satisfaction, strong recommendation rates, and significant support in gaining orientation and decision-making clarity.

The program has been in existence since 2011. Since then, more than 350 people have participated. It is funded by the Women Professors Program of the Federal and State Governments and implemented by the Gender Equality Office in cooperation with the Marburg University Research Academy (MARA) and the Central Academic Advising Office (ZAS).

Even though the Mentoring program is in German, some mentors provide an English One-to-One-Mentoring.