Aim of the mentor project
The mentor project offers first-generation students a valuable opportunity to explore potential careers in legal practice or academia. Its purpose is to help students develop their professional skills through concrete, practical guidance and personalised support. Research shows that first-generation students face distinct challenges during their studies, particularly during the transition into the professional world. Through several contact moments between mentor and mentee, the mentor project offers students insight into what it is like to work as a legal professional, provides practical guidance, and helps them build a professional network.
Because first-generation students more often lack established networks or familiarity with the legal field, the project is designed to give them access to insights and experiences that are not always available within their immediate environment.
By being paired with an experienced mentor, students may gain a role model: someone who can illustrate what to expect in the legal profession, share honest perspectives from practice or academia, and offer advice on how to reach professional goals through dedication and effective networking. Throughout the project we aim to create an inclusive environment in which different backgrounds and career paths are represented and celebrated.
The programme
The mentor project commonly begins in January with an opening event plus informal reception. During this event, the organising team and the dean will speak about the importance of diversity within the legal field and academia. It also provides an opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet each other in person for the first time.
Following the opening, each mentor–mentee pair is expected to have about four contact moments throughout the programme. These may take the form of workplace visits, professional development discussions, or other activities to help the student navigate the field and gain practical insight.
The project concludes in late June with a festive closing reception, offering additional opportunities for networking and reflection on the experiences gained. At this event, students will receive a certificate of recognition for their participation.
Testimonials
Elias (bachelor student):
A pleasant conversation with my mentor gave me a much clearer understanding of what the work involves and what a typical day looks like. Of course, a recruiter can answer many of my questions as well, but hearing personal experiences from a different perspective is incredibly valuable when making career decisions after your studies.
Why would you recommend participating to new (first-generation) students?
The major advantage of this excellent mentor project is that it allows you to connect with others easily and in a very approachable way. You gain access to professionals in academia, government, and the private sector. People you might not normally have the opportunity to meet so quickly.
Joanne (bachelor student):
A well-known saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.” Since my parents were not able to provide me with a professional network to help me orient myself, this project felt like the perfect opportunity to start building one.
Why would you recommend participation to new (first-generation) students?
Ultimately, whatever career you choose, it’s important that you make yourself proud. Once you feel proud of your path, everything else will follow. So don’t let yourself be guided by someone else’s expectations.
We are always looking for new mentors! Working in legal practice and interested to hear more about the possibility to become a mentor? Please email us at: mentorproject@law.eur.nl.
First-generation student and interested to participate? Check out the requirements for participation and a list of our mentors.