Sharing experiences and learning among former and current students with similar interests is an activity that enriches all those involved and effortlessly creates multiple transformative opportunities. The FOLIUM program strengthens this intergenerational proximity, enhancing and organizing it - just as the spine connects the pages of a book or the trunk connects the branches of a tree.
The Alumni, whose professional identities are already defined, are in an ideal position to stimulate their younger colleagues to reflect, find what moves them and the pieces of the puzzle to build their own success. In FOLIUM, mentoring by Alumni mentors is individual and is tailored to the mentees' needs. Note that this relationship is not intended to solve personal problems, for which other specific services exist. The mentor is neither a psychologist nor a tutor for curricular purposes.
Some practical aspects
Students can start the program in their penultimate year of undergraduate studies (second year of Bioengineering and Microbiology and third year of Nutritional Sciences) or in the first year of their master’s. To do so, they fill out the appropriate form, attaching a CV and motivation letter. Each year the number of mentors will determine how many students can join the program. If selection is necessary, the submitted information will be considered, and interested students from the first cycle will take precedence. Deadlines will be announced to the academic community every year.
If you are an Alumna or Alumnus and can join this program as a mentor, we welcome you!
Testimony of mentor José Carlos F. Pereira
"The Biotechnology mentorship program is much more than a program. It is a well-designed, structured, result-oriented format that encourages experiences by teaching the way of learning. It thus facilitates insertion in the labor market and is a true workout to strengthen students' soft skills."
Testimony from mentee Helena Costa - Bioengineering
"I still keep in touch with my mentor. When I have questions, I communicate via email; we even met in December. I'm glad I signed up. It was definitely an asset."
Please contact us at ee.emprego@ucp.pt or call 22 619 62 26.