Public Mental Health
Mentee Sophie Eicher and Mentor Linda Montanari
Linda Montanari is Principal scientist at Health and social responses, Public health unit, European Union Drugs Agency, Lisbon, Portugal.
Sophie Eicher is Research Associate at the University of Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
My Experience as a Mentee with the EUPHAnxt Mentoring Programme
As a young professional passionate about public mental health, I was fortunate to be selected for the EUPHAnxt mentoring programme. Looking back, this experience left me inspired, empowered, and equipped with new insights. I would like to share my reflections and lessons learned during this journey.
A Supportive and Knowledgeable Mentor
The backbone of this positive experience was undoubtedly my mentor, who was not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly approachable. She created an open and supportive environment where we could freely discuss career-related topics. Her willingness to share her personal experiences and professional wisdom made me feel valued and encouraged. The level of insight she provided made it clear that she genuinely cared about guiding us.
Navigating the World of International Organizations (IOs)
One of the key themes in our discussions revolved around working in international organizations (IOs). My mentor helped us understand the nuances of working in such environments, which can be vastly different from academia. This was crucial for me, as I’ve always been curious about what it takes to thrive in IOs, where teams are often multinational, and work dynamics can be complex.
We also explored how a young professional, like myself, should approach starting a new position. From listening and observing team dynamics to learning about implicit structures within an organization, these conversations provided me with a better understanding. My mentor emphasized the importance of integrating well into a team by understanding different perspectives and approaches - skills that will be essential as I navigate my professional journey.
Practical Career Guidance and CV Reviews
One particularly helpful aspect of our mentorship was the practical advice related to job applications and CV building. My mentor reviewed our CVs, offering detailed feedback on what to highlight, based on her extensive experience.
We also talked about specific career opportunities. My mentor regularly shared job postings and upcoming events, which kept us engaged and motivated to stay proactive in seeking out new opportunities. This personalized guidance was great, as it to identify the types of roles and organizations that align with my passion for public mental health.
Encouraging Reflection
The mentoring programme provided me with an incredible opportunity to reflect on where I am in my career and where I would like to go. Through our discussions, I gained clarity on my own professional path and felt empowered to take ownership of it. These conversations were also empowering as a young woman in public health. The mentorship highlighted the importance of believing in myself and seizing opportunities that align with my goals and values.
Final Thoughts
The EUPHAnxt mentoring programme exceeded my expectations. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to take the next steps in my career. The mentorship experience was an invaluable opportunity to learn from someone with a wealth of experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the guidance I received.
For anyone considering joining the next edition of the EUPHAnxt mentoring programme, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s not only an opportunity to learn practical career skills but also a chance to learn from experienced public health professionals. I look forward to applying the lessons I’ve learned as I continue my journey in public mental health.
