Student Mentor

Every first-year student will receive guidance from a student mentor appointed by the department during the first year of the Bachelor’s program.

The student mentor is a second year or third year (or further) student of the BSc program. He/she will help your with all your practical issues that may arise when you start studying at the university (e.g. registration of courses, online sources, redirection: where to find what or who and how) but he/she can also explain you about effective study skills (e.g. how to plan, how to study big books, how to prepare for exams). The student mentor will meet the students in a group meeting or individually almost every week, especially in the first semester of your first year.

As a mentor; you share your own experiences as a Data Science student in the joint bachelor between Eindhoven/Tilburg University as well as your professional experience.

This way you contribute to the success of the students, not only at our Universities, but also in their future career.

• To support the current generation of students.
• To give back to the university.
• You can learn from coaching students.
• It is fun to coach/advise current students!
• You can earn some extra money.

• Dedication: Time and motivation to be available is important. Of course, there can be scheduling conflicts. If so, make sure to communicate this with the student in time and propose alternatives.
• Proactive: Take initiative in making contact. Students can be somewhat shy or uncomfortable, so try to make it easier for them, even though the program is student-driven.
• Show your interest: It is easier to get involved with a student, when you know their personal interests and inspirations.
• Tell stories: Students are interested in your student experiences. What did students do before, or what kind of classes where taught? What was important, difficult, and what did you have trouble with? They can learn from your stories. Besides, it is just fun to share stories.
• Different view: As a mentor you have a more distant view on the options and challenges that students face. This way you will be able to provide a fresh outlook on different matters, this can be extremely helpful for the student.
• Give advice: Propose different ideas. Let the student know your thoughts (without telling them what to do). Someone else’s thought process can help a student improve his/her decision framework.
• Encourage them: Almost all students experience difficult periods, either at home or at university. You can remain positive, encourage them and keep supporting them by offering a ‘more experienced’ perspective.
• Look for common interests: The relationship will improve when you find common interests (and there are always more than you think).
• Respect the student.

The student-mentor relationship

In order to achieve a good mentor relationship there has to be mutual respect. Both parties will have to make their best effort to develop the relationship. An open mind, respect and adhering to the agreements are essential.

In an ideal situation, the relationship between a student and the mentor will be of added value for both.

In general, mentorships will take about 60 hours and they are organized and advertised for per semester  The requirements for students to be eligible for an mentorship are;   

• finalized the first year with a positive BSA,
• available for the introduction training (full day end of August),
• accuracy and educational interest,
• work permit (non-European students only, to be arranged for in due time).

Furthermore, we expect from our student assistants that they;

• have a good command of English,
• can work independently,
• are good in planning and organizing tasks; can handle peak moments in the work,
• are strong in communication skills, both orally and in writing,
• are flexible,
• have sense of responsibility.