professional development scheme

Mentoring Programme

The WIIS Brussels mentoring programme is a professional development scheme for women active in the fields of international relations, security and defence. It offers women professionals the opportunity to enhance their skills, seek advice, and discuss the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their professional lives. 

Mentoring Programme

Grow Your Career in Security & Defence

  • 6-month structured mentoring journey
  • One-to-one mentor matching
  • Workshops & networking access
  • Volunteer mentors from EU, NATO & beyond

Professional development for women in international security

The WIIS Brussels Mentoring Programme supports women active in international relations, security and defence. Through structured one-to-one mentoring and group activities, participants gain guidance, confidence and clarity to grow in their professional paths.

Apply now

Individual Mentorship

Each mentee is matched with an experienced professional from EU institutions, NATO, academia or the public and private sectors.

Structured 6-Month Programme

Mentoring pairs meet at least once per month, supported by group gatherings and community events.

Skills & Career Development

Participants receive feedback, refine career goals and strengthen both technical and soft skills.

Community & Networking

Access WIIS events, training workshops and networking sessions throughout the year.

Programme Structure

What to Expect

The mentoring programme runs for six months and combines individual meetings with group sessions and community activities.

01

Selection Process

Four structured phases ensure the best match:
• Preselection Questionnaire
• Eligibility Interview
• Matching Interview
• Agreement & Mentorship Convention

02

Meetings & Format

• At least one meeting per month
• In-person or virtual sessions
• Group gatherings during the programme
• Clear expectations and outcomes defined at the start

03

Membership & Fees

Selected candidates become WIIS members.
Membership fee: €25–€75/year (depending on profile).
Mentorship itself is free of charge.
Mentors volunteer their time and expertise.

Benefits for Participants

MENTORING PROGRAMME
Benefit for Mentees
  • Gain a Clearer Career Focus:
    Develop a more precise understanding of the steps needed to advance in your field.
  • Receive Constructive Feedback:
    Obtain essential feedback in critical areas such as subject knowledge and soft skills.
  • Learn from Experienced Professionals:
    Benefit from the mentor’s wealth of experience and insights, helping you navigate your career path more effectively.
Benefits for Mentors
  • Develop New Skills:
    Enhance your own skill set through the mentoring experience.
  • Refine Leadership and Management: Improve your leadership and management style by mentoring others.
  • Share Expertise and Experience: Pass on your knowledge to the next generation, contributing to their growth and success.

Add a compelling title for your section to engage your audience.

Use this paragraph section to get your website visitors to know you. Consider writing about you or your organization, the products or services you offer, or why you exist. Keep a consistent communication style.
  • I have been a mentee and a mentor. The long-term, development-driven, relation-oriented nature of these mentoring programmes are key to my career
    Dr. Corinna Hörst
    Former President of WIIS Brussels (2015-2019), Member of the Advisory Committee
  • The programme has changed me, my mentality, my conceptions and expectations of the working world. It has made me tougher and more resilient
    Nina
  • The mentoring programme helped me confirm previous career choices and my future career path. I have learnt to appreciate what I have and where I am now
    Gosia
Programme Impact

Past Editions & Community Growth

2022–2023 Edition

30 Mentors
30 Mentees

Our largest recent cohort brought together 60 professionals across EU institutions, NATO, academia and the private sector for six months of structured mentoring and community engagement.

2021–2022 Edition

27 Mentors
27 Mentees

A highly engaged cohort focused on professional growth, leadership development and long-term career resilience within the security and defence community.

I want to learn more about the mentoring programme

If you are interested in joining the WIIS Brussels Mentoring Programme as a mentee or mentor, please complete the form and briefly introduce yourself. Let us know your professional background, interests and motivation for participating.
Our team will review your message and get back to you with further information.

Write with clear, concise language to inform and engage your audience. Consider what matters to them and provide valuable insights.