Mentorship in LINKS Academy: a path of professional and personal growth

Descrizione:

The Competence Badge attests to the commitment and contribution of senior researchers serving as mentors within the LINKS Academy program.

The LINKS Academy is an initiative designed for newly hired researchers, aimed at enhancing their technical-scientific and transversal skills through a structured and personalized development pathway.

The mentor’s role represents both a scientific and human point of reference for the new hire — someone to whom they can turn for technical, professional, or personal guidance.

Competenze:

Professional and personal growth within LINKS is guided by the Foundation’s core values, which inspire everyday actions:

• Culture of Change: passion for accelerating the future.
• Continuous Improvement: there is always a better way.
• Sustainability: we work for the future of our Foundation and society.
• Care for People: people are the true wealth of LINKS.
• Trust: I’m well if you’re well.
• Belonging: from “me” to “us.”
• Sharing: united we are stronger.
• Proactivity: we are resourceful and take responsibility.

The skills required for the mentor role are technical-scientific and socio-emotional.

Mentors possess the former, as they are highly experienced senior researchers working within diverse applied research domains.

The socio-emotional competencies, which are further developed during the mentorship experience, include:

• Interpersonal understanding and listening: the ability to interact effectively and constructively, using communication strategies suited to the context and purpose.
• Teamwork and facilitation: willingness to collaborate and promote integration and learning processes, fostering positive relationships aimed at achieving shared goals.
• Effective communication: the ability to express and share ideas and information clearly and concisely with all stakeholders, while actively listening and engaging in open dialogue.
• Problem-solving: a structured approach that identifies priorities and challenges in order to find the best possible solutions.

Criteri di valutazione:

The badge recognizes the senior researcher’s three-year commitment to guiding and supporting young talents throughout the LINKS Academy program.

Awarding criteria refer to the mentor’s continuous support and participation in all phases of the Academy, including:

• Onboarding: welcoming the new hire and presenting the activities of the Talent Management Program and the LINKS Academy.
• Mentor–Mentee Relationship: establishing a professional and human connection in which the mentor serves as both a technical-scientific and personal guide, fostering meaningful professional and personal growth.
• Competence Report: completion of a report summarizing the skills acquired and experiences gained during the mentee’s time in the LINKS Academy.
• Interim Reviews: participation in periodic review sessions as scheduled by the Academy Program.
• Final Deliverables: submission (after two and three years) of the report on competencies and experiences achieved within the Academy.
• Validation: evaluation of the mentee’s individual progress and collaboration with Academy representatives in completing the certificate attached to the digital badge.

Altre informazioni:

The assessment and validation of these competencies are ensured by the Academy staff and the Human Resources Development Manager.

The Competence Badge is issued upon the successful completion of a three-year mentorship cycle within the LINKS Academy.