/Connect.Learn.Be Inspired.DDSA
MENTORING
PROGRAMME
Are you passionate about data science and eager to share your experiences? Or are you an aspiring data scientist seeking guidance and support? The Danish Data Science Academy (DDSA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024/25 DDSA Mentoring Programme this autumn – and registration is now open!
Beyond Algorithms: Building a Supportive Data Science Network
The purpose of the DDSA Mentoring Programme is to facilitate personal and professional growth for everyone involved in data science in Denmark. Whether you are a practitioner, researcher, student, or professional from any background, our programme aims to create a supportive environment where knowledge and experience are shared to foster development and innovation within the data science community.
Who is it for?
Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you are an experienced professional, a professor, a student, or just starting your journey in data science. What matters most is your enthusiasm and willingness to share your knowledge or learn from others.
Why join as a mentor?
Your insights and experiences can inspire and guide the next generation of data scientists. Mentoring is a rewarding way to give back to the community and foster new talent. Whether you’re a student or a senior data scientist, we have a diverse range of mentees from various fields. Some mentees are just starting their bachelor’s degree and taking their first steps in data science. Others have recently completed their PhD and are seeking guidance as they transition into the private sector. Regardless of your level of expertise, if you’re enthusiastic about mentoring, we’ll find you a great match.
Why join as a mentee?
If you’re looking to grow your skills, gain new perspectives, or navigate your career path, becoming a mentee will connect you with valuable mentors who are ready to support your development. Whether you seek guidance from a professor or senior data scientist, or just want to find like-minded people with similar interests, the DDSA Mentoring Programme offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections and advance your career.
Meet our Mentors
Visit the Meet our Mentors page to explore the list of mentors who have registered for the Autumn 2024/25 Edition. Our mentors come from various backgrounds, including students, data scientists, professors, and industry professionals. Each mentor brings unique insights and expertise to help guide and inspire the next generation of data scientists.
Connected to Denmark
We strive to build a cohesive community within Denmark and offer flexible meeting options to suit everyone’s preferences. Some mentees and mentors prefer to meet online, while others enjoy in-person interactions. We hold two optional physical meetings per year to foster connections and collaboration. During the Autumn 2023 edition, we had one meetup in Copenhagen and another in Aarhus.
If you are not in Denmark for the majority of the programme’s duration, please contact us at marius@ddsa.dk, and we will see what we can do to accommodate your participation.
How Much Time is Required?
DDSA encourages all participants in the Mentoring Programme to invest sufficient time and energy to ensure a rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees. We require attendance at the Kick-Off and Closing Events (each 60 minutes, held virtually). Additionally, we recommend meeting up at least once per month with your mentee/mentor for a one-hour check-in throughout the duration of the programme. If a mentor takes on multiple mentees, we encourage 1:1 check-ins to ensure individual attention.
Programme Editions and Application
2025/26 Mentoring Programme early applications are open
Early Application
Early Applications for Mentors and mentees are open! Regster here!
Before registering, please read our Code of Conduct and the Mentoring Programme Charter.
2024/25 Mentoring Programme (October 2024 – September 2025) applications are closed
Application
Mentor application is closed (registrations were open from April 2nd until May 26th).
Mentee application is closed (registrations were open from May 31st until September 8th).
If you would like to continue from the Autumn 2023 to the 2024/25 Programme with your current mentor/mentee(s), please get in touch with Marius at marius@ddsa.dk
Before registering, please read our Code of Conduct and the Mentoring Programme Charter.
Matchmaking & Kick Off
We are using a combination of a matchmaking algorithm and human oversight to create the optimal matches between mentors and mentees. The matchmaking algorithm pairs mentors and mentees based on various parameters, such as interests, field of study, highest degree, location, background, and motivation. This feature aims to ensure that everyone can fully benefit from the mentoring programme.
As a mentee, you will have the option of choosing your favourite mentors from the Meet our Mentors page. Read more about the matchmaking process in the registration form above.
The pairs will be announced by email on September 27th, 2024.
The Kick Off of the mentoring programme will take place virtually on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, from 15:15-16:15.
Meetups
Two physical, ½-day meetups between the participants of the mentoring programme will be held. Participation is not required but very beneficial to the goals of the programme. The exact time and location will be announced via email.
Closing Event
The Closing Event date is yet to be decided. Here we will share a few remarks, provide the last round of feedback, and wish each other a farewell. If the mentor and mentee wish to continue their check-ins beyond the programme, they are free to do so. You will receive information in due time via email.
Autumn 2023 (October – September 2024)
Registrations
Mentor registrations are closed (registrations were open from May 3 until June 30)
Mentee registrations are closed (registrations were open from July 17 until September 13)
If you would like to continue from the Spring 2023 into the Autumn 2023 with your current mentor/mentee, please get in touch with Marius at marius@ddsa.dk
Before registering, please read our Code of Conduct and the Mentoring Programme Charter.
Matchmaking & Kick Off
For the first time, we’re introducing a matchmaking algorithm that pairs mentors and mentees based on various parameters, such as interests, programming languages/software, field of study, highest degree, location, background, and motivation. This new feature aims to ensure that everyone can fully benefit from the mentoring programme. You will also have the option of choosing your favourite mentors from the Meet our Mentors page. Read more about the matchmaking process in the registration form above.
The pairs will be announced by email on September 25th, 2023.
The Kick Off of Autumn 2023 will take place virtually on Monday, October 2nd, 2023, from 15:15-16:00.
Meetups
Two physical, ½-day meetups between the participants of the Autumn 2023 programme will be held. Participation is not required. The exact time and location will be announced via email.
Closing Event
The Closing Event date is September 2nd from 15:15-16:00. Here we will share a few remarks, provide the last round of feedback, and wish each other a farewell. If the mentor and mentee wish to continue their check-ins beyond the programme, they are free to do so. You will receive information in due time via email.
Spring 2023 (March – July 2023)
The Spring 2023 programme is currently running with 90 participants; 39 mentors and 51 mentees.
Registrations
Open December 1st, 2022 – February 1st, 2023
Mentor
Register as a mentor
Mentee
Register as a mentee
If you would like to continue from the Pilot Programme into the Spring 2023 Edition with your current mentor/mentee, please contact Marius at marius@ddsa.dk
Before registering, please read our Code of Conduct and the Mentoring Programme Charter.
If you are interested in participating in the Autumn 2023 Edition, please stay updated by joining our newsletter, following our LinkedIn or Twitter.
Matchmaking & Kick Off
The matchmaking process works as follows: Once mentors and mentees have registered, we will ask the mentees to prioritise their top 5 favourite mentors. Prioritisation will take place from February 3rd – 12th (midnight), 2023. Next, DDSA will optimise for the highest priorities. If multiple mentees have selected the same mentor as a first priority, we will perform a random distribution. If there are more mentees than mentors, we will prioritise the mentees with less experience. The pairs will be announced on February 20th.
The Kick Off of the Spring 2023 Edition will take place virtually on Wednesday March 1st, 2023, from 16:30-17.00.
Meetup
A physical, ½-day meetup between the participants of the Spring 2023 Edition will be held. Participation is not required. Exact time and location will be announced via email.
Closing Event
The Closing Event date is yet to be decided. Here we will share a few remarks, provide the last round of feedback, and wish each other a farewell. If the mentor and mentee wish to continue their check-ins beyond the programme, they are free to do so.
Pilot Programme (October 2022 – February 2023)
The Pilot Programme ran with 60 participants; 30 mentors and 30 mentees.
Registrations
Registrations for the Pilot programme are now closed. If you are interested in participating in the next Programme, please look at the coming programme (above) or stay updated via our newsletter, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Meetup
A physical, ½-day meetup between the participants of the Pilot Programme will be held on February 6th, 2023. Exact time and location to be decided and announced via email. If you are part of the Pilot Programme and have not heard about the meetup, please contact programme responsible Marius Cortsen at marius@ddsa.dk
Closing Event
The Closing Event will take place virtually on Thursday February 23rd, 2023, from 16:30 – 17:00. Here we will share a few remarks, provide a final round of feedback, and wish each other a farewell.
If the mentor and mentee wish to continue their check-ins beyond the programme, they are free to do so. If they wish to continue as a part of the next programme edition, please notify Marius at marius@ddsa.dk.
Further Information
If you have any questions, please contact programme responsible Marius Cortsen at marius@ddsa.dk
The Mentoring Programme
May 26 2024
Deadline for mentor applications
Application opens primo April
Sep 8 2024
Deadline for mentee applications
Application opens primo June
Oct 1 2024
Kick off 2024/25 Mentoring Programme