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NRW-Technikum | MINT Forum | Mentoring

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What does MINT actually stand for?

MINT is a German acronym for the four scientific fields:

Mathematics | Computer Science (German: Informatik)| Natural Sciences | Technology

It is the aequivalent of the English acronym STEM.

In Germany, women studying and teaching MINT/STEM subjects are underrepresented. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the percentage of women in MINT/STEM professions is 29.4% (2021) - putting it in third-last place in Europe.

Gender equality is actively working to combat this imbalance. For example, we take part in the nationwide Girls' Day every year to break down stereotypes when choosing a course of study. As part of this day of action, pupils have the opportunity to get a taste of MINT/STEM subjects at The Hochschule Niederrhein.

Mentoring programs for female students are designed to facilitate career entry, especially for female MINT/STEM students.

Schülerin mit Schutzbrille und Lötkolben
Try out studying and working in STEM
Try out studying and working in STEM

What is the NRW-Technikum?

The NRW-Technikum is a trial study programme! Within one semester – i.e. six months – you have the opportunity to test a degree programme and a possible apprenticeship. The focus is on STEM (German: MINT) subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Find out what really suits you!

Is the NRW-Technikum the right choice for me?
Informier dich!

You can find everything you need to know about the requirements, registration and much more here: 

NRW-Technikum »
Welcome to the MINT Forum!

MINT degree programmes are now more vibrant, diverse and exciting than ever before, and a far cry from typical clichés. Nevertheless, the number of women in technical and scientific degree programmes is still low. The MINT Forum is a network that connects women within the university and facilitates contacts with the regional economy.

  • Support at the start of your studies
  • Networking in everyday university life
  • Experienced female students as contact persons
  • Soft skills workshops
  • Preparation for professional life
  • Mentoring
  • Start-up
Take part in mentoring

The Hochschule Niederrhein offers mentoring programmes together with other stakeholders to make it easier for female students to start their careers.
Students (mentees) are assigned a mentor from a company with whom they can discuss important questions or who can give them a realistic insight into everyday working life:

  • Career entry/ career planning - Where do I want to go? How do I go about it?
  • What suits me? What are my strengths? How can I develop and improve my profile?
  • How do I learn to present myself confidently? How do I present myself confidently in a team of engineers?
  • How can I reconcile family and career?
  • Leading as a woman - what competences do I need/have? What do I need to consider?


Participation in the mentoring programmes is free of charge.

Competentia
Mentoring programme

Organised/offered by: Competence Centre for Women and Careers in the Middle Lower Rhine region in cooperation with the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences
Duration: 6 months
Companies: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region
 

Registration was open until 31 August 2025. You can find the registration form here. All female students from the first semester onwards are eligible to apply. The next round will be announced in future.
 

Mehr Informationen »
Your compass for starting your career
Mentoring programme

Organised/offered by: Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Niederrhein Entrepreneurship Association, Krefeld network ‘Leading Ladies in Town’
Duration: 8 months
Companies: Member companies of the Niederrhein Entrepreneurship Association
Application deadline: 6 February 2025
Questions and applications to: Ralf.Kampker@hs-niederrhein.de and Sandra.Laumen@hs-niederrhein.de.

Note:
If you are interested, please make a note of the following dates: 12 March 2025 Mentee workshop | 24 March 2025 Kick-off event – matching | 23 June 2025 Mid-term event | 17 November 2025 Closing event | plus two at a company 
 

Bewerbungsformular »

For students and staff: Open Consultation hours of the Equal Opportunities Officer
Date: 2025-09-19 / 10:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Zoom
Speak up - voice and body language as a communication factor
Date: 2025-09-22 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: FE02, Krefeld South Campus
Speak up - voice and body language as a communication factor
Date: 2025-09-23 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: FE02, Krefeld South Campus
Speak up - voice and body language as a communication factor | Part 2
Date: 2025-09-26 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: FE02, Krefeld South Campus
For students and staff: Open Consultation hours of the Equal Opportunities Officer
Date: 2025-09-26 / 10:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Zoom
For female employees: Positive self-management for women - impulses for more success and satisfaction (2 days!)
Date: 2025-10-01 / 10:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Krefeld South Campus and online
Retirement provision - making financial provision
Date: 2025-10-07 / 07:00 o'clock (pm)
Location: Zoom
For female employees: Positive self-management for women - impulses for more success and satisfaction (2 days!)
Date: 2025-10-10 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Krefeld South Campus and online
MINT in Mind
Bildrechte: A.U.G.E.-Institut vertreten durch Prof. Dr. Monika Eigenstetter / Agentur NUVISTA
MINT in Mind
for pupils

MINT in Mind is a joint project in the Middle Lower Rhine region that offers educational opportunities for young people aged 12 to 16.

further information »
HNX - Your way to start up!

HNX is the central point of contact for start-ups and entrepreneurship at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. Here you can also find out more about the EXIST Women programme for the advancement of women. 

further information »
Career Service

The Career Service at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences supports students in their transition from university to working life with a wide range of workshops and events.

further information »

MINT Forum Co-ordinanation

Dr. Sandra Laumen, Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing.
Equal Opportunity Officer
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