From Match to Added Value

The VBKI Mentoring Class of 2026 celebrates the bonds it has forged and kicks off the next round.

Text by Jonas Koch | Junior Communications and Marketing Specialist

On September 29, 2026, this year’s cohort of the VBKI Mentoring Program held its closing ceremony. For nine months, mentors and mentees had exchanged ideas in their pairs, learned from one another, and gained new perspectives.

Juliane Cibis and Richard Schütz opened the evening and began by reflecting on a special milestone for the program: its successful certification by the German Society for Mentoring. VBKI Executive Director Ute Weiland then welcomed the participants. Her remarks were translated into English by Britta Posner, as this was the first time a large number of international mentors and mentees had participated in the program.

Ute Weiland emphasized that this development aligns with the VBKI’s mission: Berlin is Germany’s most international city, and this diversity should also be reflected in the VBKI and its programs. At the same time, she noted that mentoring is not a one-way street. It is not only the mentees who benefit from their mentors’ knowledge and experience; mentors, too, can gain new perspectives and inspiration from their interactions with their mentees.

In a joint survey, the participants then took stock of this year’s program cycle. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive again this year and also provided valuable suggestions for the program’s further development.
Afterward, the participants split into peer groups: Over an Middle Eastern buffet, the tandems reflected on the past few months. They collectively gathered and visualized special experiences, insights, and personal highlights. To conclude, the groups presented their findings and shared their most important experiences with the other participants.

The evening ended with many personal conversations, and for some mentoring pairs, with a firm resolution to stay in touch even after the mentoring program officially ends. A reunion is already in the works: Early next year, the alumni community is set to gather for an evening event at the new VBKI building.