HAW Career Mentoring Programme

The HAWKarriere mentoring programme run by the universities of applied sciences (HAW) as part of the federal-state FH-Personal programme is an inter-university mentoring initiative for early-career academics and newly appointed professors.

Participants receive support as they progress in their careers at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW). The programme focuses on personal career development, individual goals and preparation for a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences.

Individual Support

Experienced mentors —typically professors at universities of applied sciences—guide participants through professional questions, career decisions, and current challenges. They share their experiences, provide guidance, and support personal development.

Insights into a University of Applied Sciences Professorship

Mentees gain practical insights into the day-to-day work of a university of applied sciences professor, learn about career paths, and benefit from valuable experience in research, teaching, and university administration.

Cross-university network

HAWKarriere connects multiple universities and creates space for exchange, networking, and new perspectives. In this way, participants benefit from a broad network and diverse experiences beyond their own university.

The mentoring content and thematic focus are determined by the mentees’ individually defined goals; they are finalized in consultation with the respective mentor and tailored to the preferences and needs of the specific mentoring relationship.

  • ​Professional and Career Planning
  • Job Application Coaching
  • Insights into the day-to-day work of a professor
  • Professional / academic exchange
  • Building and expanding a (professional) network
  • Challenges on the path to a professorship at a university of applied sciences / international career / stays abroad
  • Collaborations with industry partners
  • Developing leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Transfer: Applying research findings to practice
  • Support services, e.g., for third-party funding applications
  • Work-life balance

The third round of the mentoring program is currently underway.

  • Registration period: May 20, 2025 – July 25, 2025
  • Introductory workshop: October 16, 2025 | In-person | Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
    The mentoring program begins with an introductory workshop for mentees: There, the mentees get to know one another and, with the support of a mentoring expert, define their individual program goals as well as a mentor who is a good fit for them.
  • Kickoff event: December 11, 2025 | In-person | HfT Stuttgart
    The kickoff event takes place in person with all mentees and mentors, and we will launch the 12-month HAWKarriere mentoring program together.
  • Mentoring Phase:
    An (online) meeting between mentor and mentee takes place every 6–8 weeks.
  • Supporting Program:
    Throughout the year, workshops and networking events will be held.
    - Coffee hour for networking and exchange
    - Workshops to develop skills
    - Take&Talk for professional input and exchange
    - Individual coaching sessions
  • Closing event: December 10, 2026 | In-person
    After 12 months, the program concludes with a joint, festive closing event.
  • Ludwigsburg Protestant University: Sandra Habeck | s.habeck@eh-ludwigsburg.de
  • Biberach University of Applied Sciences: Eva Kriehuber | kriehuber@hochschule-bc.de
  • Furtwangen University: Natalie Schramm | natalie.schramm@hs-furtwangen.de
  • Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences: Theresa Krinke | theresa.krinke@hft-stuttgart.de
  • Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences: Kinga Janisch | kinga.janisch@hfwu.de
  • Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences: Silvia Brunner | silvia.brunner@h-ka.de
  • Offenburg University of Applied Sciences: Charlotte Brenn | charlotte.brenn@hs-offenburg.de
  • Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences: Lisann Kaiser | lisann.kaiser@rwu.de
  • Ulm University of Applied Sciences: Theresa Denzel | theresa.denzel@thu.de​​​

How do I become a mentee?

You are affiliated with one of the 9 participating universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, for example as:

  • Alumni or current doctoral students
  • Postdoc
  • Adjunct instructor
  • Newly appointed professor

How do I become a mentor?

  • Your mentoring commitment is for at least one year
  • You are motivated and enjoy sharing your experience and knowledge with mentees
  • You are a professor at a university of applied sciences or an experienced and suitable individual from academia, business, government, or the cultural sector

Voices from our program

"Career paths require goals. The HAW Career Program supports exactly that: setting goals and pursuing them."

"As a mentee, the program really helped me settle into my new professorship. I highly recommend it to anyone who has just been appointed!"

"A great opportunity to make interesting connections in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere."

"HAW Career as a Mentor: You're not just helping others—you're helping yourself, too!" (F. Stetter, HSO)

"A great network that benefits both mentees and mentors." (C. Eckstein, EH Ludwigsburg)

Downloads

Further information

Job Openings
Application & Hiring Process
FAQs About the Professorship
Interviews with our professors
TECH IS HOW WE DO IT!