DUO for a JOB offers free career mentoring for up to 6 months. Each volunteer mentor supports a young person and provides advice on their job search in their city.
A duo can be “successful” for many reasons, and the end of the 6 months doesn’t mean the end of everything. Here is how it works.
What happens at the end of the 6-month mentoring period?
The 6 months are almost up. Since their first meeting, the duo has met for 2 hours each week at our offices in Liège, Charleroi, or Brussels to work on the young person’s career goals. It is time for the program coordinator to organize a meeting with the mentor and the mentee.
This 45-minute meeting is an opportunity to review progress:
- What is the young person’s current status? Job, training, internship, ongoing applications, etc.
- What obstacles were encountered during the mentorship? Language, qualifications, networking, etc.
- What did each person learn? Self-confidence, intercultural awareness, active listening, structure, etc.
- What would we have done differently?
- Is there anything else we want to share before officially closing the mentorship?
Taking time for a review
A lot can happen in 6 months!
➡️ Discover how we boost the job search here.
How do we measure the success of a duo?
Mentoring has proven its worth: 70% of young people supported by DUO for a JOB land a job, an internship, or a training program. But the success of a mentorship isn't just about whether or not they get a job.
We always say: “Every duo has an obligation of effort, not of results.”
In practical terms, this means that at the start of the mentorship, each duo sets clear and realistic goals for the 6-month period. From there, the duo can use all the tools at their disposal (for example, our CV review service or mock job interviews) and participate in our workshops and events (for example, our interview preparation workshop and ongoing mentor training).
Beyond just landing a job, a successful duo is one that has managed to
- Build self-confidence and confidence in the future
- Learn about oneself, one's skills, and one's capabilities
- Structure their job search and career goals
- Keep track of actions taken
- Explore all possibilities
- Expand your network
- Use the tools and workshops at DUO for a JOB
- Meet every week (or almost!)
Success is measured by the commitment and energy invested by the duo, not just by signing a contract.
These are skills and experiences that will be useful throughout their career and foster true long-term independence.
You don't need an HR background or coaching experience to mentor; what matters most is being present, listening, and offering support.
Thanks to this, mentors have a real, qualitative impact on young people. 90% of our young people feel more independent in their job search. 68% were able to define a career plan with their mentor. 77% were able to expand their professional and/or social network.
➡️ Learn more about our mentor training here.
Jan and Asadullah, a duo supported by DUO for a JOBWhat’s next for the mentor or the young job seeker?
Even if the young person hasn't found a job, the mentorship ends after 6 months. Keeping the duration consistent for all duos allows us to accurately evaluate the program's impact on everyone who benefits from it.
But the door remains open.
Many mentors and mentees stay in touch after the program, meet up frequently, share advice, call each other regularly... and sometimes even become friends!
Some even become friends!
After the 6 months, young people also join our alumni community, which is invited to our activities (for example, monthly networking over coffee, picnics in the park, etc.) and remain welcome in our meeting space to use our computers, printers, and tools.
Professional support, and above all, human connection
In short, mentorship at DUO is about much more than just landing a job. You learn about yourself and the world, meet new people, expand your network, build confidence, and move forward.
Every duo makes the job market a little more inclusive and does a world of good for society. In Liège, Charleroi, Gent, Antwerp and Brussels, our teams are there to support you every step of the way.
Need a free boost? Want to share your experience? Become a mentee or mentor.
🎥 Watch a duo share their story ⤵️
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