Building Intercultural Bridges for Future Career Paths

The job‑mentoring programme run by the International Office and the Campus Academy at the University of Bayreuth is aimed at international professionals as well as refugee academics. Its purpose is to support them as they embark on their careers in the German labour market. At the heart of the programme lies personal guidance: mentors share their knowledge, networks, and experience, while mentees gain insights into the German labour market and refine their career goals. The programme not only opens up professional prospects, but also facilitates intercultural encounters that enrich both sides.

Nicole Kromat has been working for many years at the Building Department of the City of Nuremberg. The 49‑year‑old mother of two took part in a six‑month mentoring programme focusing on “Civil Engineering and IT” offered by the Campus Academy, where she mentored Qudratullah Gawhari, who was born in Afghanistan. After completing his degree in transport engineering, he initially worked as a construction manager in Afghanistan; he has now been living in Germany for three years. By taking part in the mentoring programme, he opened up new perspectives for his professional future. In an interview with UBTaktuell, Nicole Kromat and Qudratullah Gawhari speak about their expectations of the programme, their motivation, and a cooperation that extended well beyond technical discussions.

UBTaktuell: How did you first hear about the mentoring programme?

Nicole Kromat: A colleague told me about the programme. He wasn’t able to take part himself and asked me whether I could imagine becoming a mentor. A few years ago, I had taken part in a similar programme as a mentee, so I was keen to support someone else as a mentor this time.

Qudratullah Gawhari: A friend told me about the BIGA Regio programme, which offers further qualification for refugee and migrant academics to help them integrate into the German labour market. That caught my interest. The mentoring programme was an integral part of it – and for me, a valuable opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. I saw it as a great chance to exchange ideas with someone from my field. I wanted to expand my professional network while strengthening my technical skills and personal competencies. It was especially important for me to gain insight into the German working environment and to prepare specifically for entering the labour market.

UBTaktuell: What expectations did you have of the programme, and how did it develop?

Nicole Kromat: I entered the programme with an open mind and was curious to see where it would lead. Above all, I wanted to encourage someone on their path and to try to support them with my experience. I didn’t expect to meet such a diligent, motivated, and positive mentee. I would have loved to invest even more time, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible alongside my professional and family commitments.

Qudratullah Gawhari: At first, I thought the programme would mainly be a kind of question‑and‑answer session. But over time, it developed into a trusting relationship – almost like a friendship. Initially, I wanted to learn more about the German construction sector, improve my application documents and find a suitable position. In the end, the mentoring was much more than expected: it gave me hope, motivation, and new perspectives.

UBTaktuell: What did your collaboration look like in practice?

Qudratullah Gawhari: Our first meeting took place in person in Nuremberg. Afterwards, we stayed in regular contact via WhatsApp – I asked questions and received helpful answers. We also met several times on Zoom and discussed various topics, from job applications to building regulations.

UBTaktuell: Were there particular challenges you overcame together?

Nicole Kromat: It was sometimes difficult to find time for our conversations. A few times, we had to postpone spontaneously, but overall, we stayed on schedule. During this time, we worked together to develop Qudrat’s competence portfolio.

Qudratullah Gawhari: For me, it was challenging to understand the complex German standards and regulations, but Nicole explained them to me very clearly.

UBTaktuell: Which moments stand out in your memory?

Nicole Kromat: Our first in‑person meeting at the start of the programme. It really helped with the online meetings that followed. I showed Qudrat “my” city – Nuremberg – giving him a tour of its most beautiful places. I was particularly touched that he invited me to the graduation ceremony of his further qualification at the University of Bayreuth. I was truly proud of him.

UBTaktuell: What progress did you observe over the course of the programme – both professionally and personally?

Nicole Kromat: Qudrat started the programme already very confident and motivated. I was able to give him a few pointers on areas in which he could continue developing, and he has been following these tips with great determination. I am glad to have met him, and we plan to stay in contact. I would like to know how things continue for him and to support him when he has questions.

Qudratullah Gawhari: Professionally, I learnt where and how to apply, which positions suit me, and which gaps in knowledge I still need to close. We worked intensively on my application documents. On a personal level, I was able to improve my German skills and learnt to express myself more confidently. Nicole kept motivating and encouraging me to keep going – that helped me a lot. She continues to support me, for example in finding an internship. I am confident that I will find my professional path in Germany.

UBTaktuell: What advice would you give future mentors and mentees?

Nicole Kromat: First of all, you need to know what you want and where you want to go. Then be determined, curious, open‑minded, and positive, even when things don’t go smoothly at times.

Qudratullah Gawhari: Take every opportunity to try something new. Be open to new experiences – even outside your own field. You learn a great deal not only professionally, but also personally.