Frequently Asked Questions

Rule of confidentiality

For a mentoring relationship to develop, both the mentor and mentee must feel that all discussions are being handled with discretion.
Mentors and mentees must undersign a confidentiality agreement before starting the programme. The purpose of this agreement is to protect both the mentor and mentee from a breach in confidentiality during and after the mentoring process.
Mentoring meetings with other participants take place under Chatham House rule, where participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

What is my role a a mentee?

Setting objectives for my personal and professional development
Regularly scheduling - and preparing for - meetings with my mentor
Staying open to feedback and new perspectives
This is a mentee-led programme, whereby mentees take the initiative to drive the relationship

What is my role as a mentor?

How do I set my goals?

Start your mentoring relationship with a structured approach:
Identify 2-3 key goals you would like to achieve. These could relate to career development, skill enhancement, or overcoming specific challenges
Keep your goals flexible - they may evolve as the year progresses

How do we start the mentoring process?

Take advantage of the first in-person meeting at CineEurope to help break the ice and get to know each other
Either before or after CineEurope, schedule an initial meeting to discuss expectations, communication preferences, and goals
Set a regular meeting schedule (e.g., bi-weekly or monthly) for online discussions
Agree on the structure of your sessions - whether focusing on current challenges, specific goals, or open-ended conversations on issues as they arise.
Be honest and straight forward with each other

What if our objectives change over time?

It’s normal for goals to shift as you progress. Stay flexible and revisit your objectives regularly to ensure they align with your evolving needs and priorities.

Can we focus on my current professional issues instead of long-term goals?

Absolutely! Some pairs choose to discuss current topics or challenges as they arise. This approach can be equally valuable, offering real-time support and insights.

How often should we meet?

In addition to two in-person meetings at CineEurope and UNIC Cinema Days each year, you may meet at other industry events or festivals. For the remainder of the year, we recommend regular online meetings to ensure consistent progress. Each session should last at least 45-60 minutes to allow for meaningful discussions.

What if we cannot meet in person?

While meeting in person is ideal, it’s not always feasible due to physical distance or other circumstances. Fortunately, today’s online meeting tools enable regular interactions between individuals who might never have had the chance to connect otherwise. Many pairs have managed and successfully completed an entire mentoring year remotely.

How does the 'switch mentor month' work?

Each year, UNIC asks its pool of former mentors if they are willing to participate in the exercise. A list of available mentors is then shared to the current mentees, who select the mentor of their choice on a first-come-first-served basis. Since 2023, male mentors are included in the process.

What is the best way to stay organised?

What if I encounter challenges in the mentoring relationship?

If any difficulties arise, communicate openly with your mentor or mentee to address them. You are also expected to reach out to the programme coordinator for additional support. If we don’t hear about a situation, we cannot act on it.

How do I give feedback?

You are encouraged to provide regular informal feedback to your Programme Coordinator or to UNIC CEO
You will be required to provide more formal feedback twice a year via a mid-term evaluation and a final evaluation surveys.

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