If yes, then it’s time to invest in future-proofing your career! Register your interest to be notified about our next cohort.
Our mentorship programme empowers young adults for impactful careers in civil society, public administration, and diplomacy. It combines essential skill development with personalised guidance, practical experiences, and several networking opportunities.
Online Info Session:
9 Jan 2026, 6pm
Watch our testimonial video to discover more about this Mentorship Programme.
Receive 5 mentoring hours from two experts in the field to gain tailored career guidance, motivation, and potential access to a broader professional network.
Get practical exposure through study visits at local municipalities, established NGOs, embassies, international organisations, including the UN and the EU.
Develop hard and soft skills in areas not typically covered at university, such as networking skills, presentation skills, and career planning.
We create an intimate and focused learning experience. This way, we dedicate more attention to each participant, and foster deep connections among participants, trainers, and mentors.
Develop meaningful connections with professionals in civil society or the world of diplomacy, and form lifelong friendships with fellow participants in the programme.
Choose between two specialised tracks in our mentorship programme: (1) Civil Society & Public Administration or (2) Diplomacy and International Affairs.
Note: The final detailed schedule will be shared when the programme is officially launched.
Our programme includes 28 contact hours of training and workshops, covering the following topics:
After the orientation session, we set the stage for all participants to have a meaningful experience of the programme by covering the following workshop topics:
All participants would develop the following soft skills:
Depending on the relevant trends, topics, and the key interests of the cohort, we usually adjust the final programme to suit all needs. Previous topics have included:
To support the career planning for all participants, and help bring everything learnt from this programme together, we will also cover:
Still have questions? The contact us:
mentorship[at]gilefoundation.org
Our FAQs below cover the following topic areas:
The Mentorship Programme for Public Service is a 4-month initiative designed to prepare young adults aged 18–35 for meaningful careers in civil society, diplomacy, and public service. It provides mentorship, workshops, and practical experiences to build skills, knowledge, and confidence.
Young adults aged 18–35 who are interested in civil society, public service, diplomacy, or related fields are welcome to apply. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to democratic values and positive social impact.
The programme runs from February 7th to May 2026, with workshops, study visits, mentor engagement weeks, and social events scheduled throughout this period.
Programme activities take place at multiple locations in Budapest, including NGOs, embassies, international organizations, and a trip to the UN Headquarters in Vienna.
Yes. The participation fee is 100,000 HUF. A payment plan is available for participants who prefer to pay in instalments. For more details about payment plans, please register for our info session.
Yes. Participants who complete the programme will receive a certificate of participation.
Other than the age requirement and a strong interest in public service or diplomacy, there are no specific prerequisites.
Yes, provided you can attend all in-person sessions and events in Budapest.
You can reach the programme coordinators at sean.sharma[at]gilefoundation.org for any additional information or inquiries.
The programme includes workshops, mentor engagement weeks, study visits to NGOs and embassies, a trip to the UN Vienna office, and a final presentation and closing ceremony.
Workshops address self-awareness, goal setting, leadership, communication, cultural diplomacy, diplomatic protocol, AI in governance, networking, and career development.
They blend both theoretical insights and practical skills, offering actionable tools for participants’ professional development.
Yes. The programme includes local study visits and a special trip to the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna.
Study visits offer hands-on exposure to how NGOs, municipalities, embassies, and international organizations operate, providing direct interaction with professionals in the field.
Visits are tailored to ensuring alignment with participants’ interests and career aspirations.
It offers an inside look at international diplomacy and global governance while allowing participants to observe UN operations firsthand.
Once selected, you will receive a preparatory guide. Staying informed about current events and reviewing recommended readings will also be helpful.
Mentor engagement weeks occur regularly. The frequency and format of meetings depend on mutual agreement between mentor and mentee.
Mentors are experienced professionals from civil society, public service, diplomacy, and international affairs.
Mentors provide guidance, support goal setting, share career insights, and help you apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Mentors are matched based on participants’ interests and career goals to ensure relevant and meaningful mentorship.
Preferences may be considered, but assignments depend on best-fit principles and mentor availability.
You may discuss your concerns with the programme coordinators, and adjustments can be made if necessary.
Notify your mentor and the programme coordinators in advance. Engagements are flexible as long as they are mutually agreed upon.
Participants can expect bi-weekly in-person activities requiring 3–6 hours, along with mentor engagement weeks.
Yes. Attendance is crucial to fully benefit from the programme.
You must notify the coordinators in advance. While unavoidable conflicts may be accepted, consistent attendance is essential.
Yes. The programme is structured to accommodate full-time schedules, provided you can attend the scheduled activities.
A limited number will be chosen to ensure a personalized and impactful experience.
Applicants must apply before the deadline (see above timeline on the website) with the application form and CV. After evaluation, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.
You may request deferment, but it is not guaranteed and depends on next year’s capacity.
No job placement is guaranteed. However, the programme equips you with skills, knowledge, and professional connections valuable for pursuing a career in public service or diplomacy.
You will develop skills in leadership, communication, cultural diplomacy, networking, grant writing, and effective altruism, among others.
Through study visits, mentor interactions, workshops, and social events, you will gain access to a wide network of professionals in public service, civil society, and diplomacy.
Yes. Many workshops, visits, and social activities are designed to foster networking and peer-to-peer learning.
Group discussions, collaborative projects, and social events help participants build strong, lasting professional relationships.
You will join the programme’s alumni network, allowing continued connection with mentors, peers, and other professionals.
The comprehensive learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities will boost your confidence, expand your professional horizon, and support your long-term career growth.
[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!
This track provides aspiring diplomats and those interested in international public servants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in international relations. Participants will engage in workshops on diplomatic protocol, cultural diplomacy, and science diplomacy, alongside visits to embassies and relevant international organisations. These activities offer hands-on experience and insights into diplomatic practices and international development, helping participants develop the necessary skills and network to excel within international organisations.
Aspiring diplomats – International relations enthusiasts interested in careers in diplomacy, international development, and global cooperation.
International public servants – Students and young professionals interested in pursuing a career at an international organisation like the United Nations, UNESCO, UNHCR, or UNICEF, for example, without necessarily wanting to be a diplomat (i.e. remaining independent of any single nation’s government). Interests may include advancing global peace, international development, and human rights.
[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!
This track equips aspiring public servants and NGO leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful community work. Participants will attend workshops on introduction to nonprofit management and civic engagement, effective altruism, social innovation, design thinking, community engagement, and fundraising. Additionally, visits to local NGOs and municipalities will provide practical insights into the functioning and challenges of civic organizations. This track aims to foster effective leadership and innovative thinking in addressing social issues.
(Aspiring) public servants – Students and young professionals who work, or aspire to work, in government departments or local municipalities in their country, and who seek to enhance their skills, network, effectiveness in public administration and ability to improve their communities.
(Aspiring) non-profit founders – Passionate individuals interested in creating and leading non-profit organisations focused on addressing social and environmental issues.
Young changemakers and community organisers – Young leaders dedicated to mobilising communities and fostering grassroots movements to drive social change. This includes environmental advocates committed to promoting sustainable practices and policies to combat environmental issues.
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Produce written or verbal content that is clear and persuasive for our target audience for various platforms in a way that is consistent with our brand strategy and voice (articles, blogs, podcasts, newsletter texts, etc.).
Assist with the development of creative ideas and concepts for advertising, social
media, or crowdfunding campaigns.
Help drive brand consistency across all communication platforms
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, however, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements: