About the program

In this program we are matching people in leading positions in companies, with students. This differs from previous examples of reversed mentorship in the way that this program aims at creating intercultural connections between universities and companies. The mentor and the mentee meet and discuss subjects that are relevant, interesting and developing for both parties. This is a chance for both professional and personal development for both company leader and student. 

Together, you will engage in approximately five meaningful meetings as well as a joint kickoff and closing event.


Time to apply!

Application for companies is now open, application for students open in september 2025.

 

Apply here

Why you should join Brilliant Mentors of the Future

What happens when you turn the tables and let a student be your mentor? In Brilliant Mentors of the Future, you as a professional get a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by gaining insights from a younger person’s perspective.

Personal development and new perspectives
Gaining insight into how the younger generation thinks about leadership, innovation, and the future of work can provide unexpected learnings and contribute to your own growth. By discussing relevant topics with a student, you gain fresh perspectives that can influence how you lead and communicate.

Skills development for the future
Keeping your skills up to date is crucial in an ever-changing job market. By exchanging experiences with a student, you gain insights into digitalization, sustainability, and strategic development – topics that are often at the forefront of university discussions.

Attracting and understanding future talent
Companies and organizations face the challenge of attracting and retaining tomorrow’s workforce. This program gives you direct contact with future professionals and a deeper understanding of what makes a workplace attractive to them.

Seize the opportunity – apply for the next round!
Brilliant Mentors of the Future offers you a unique chance to grow, gain new insights, and build valuable connections. Applications open soon – take the step and become part of this rewarding exchange!


Interview with former participants


Stories from previous mentorships

"It's important to keep an open mind and perspective"

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Governor of Östergötland and Sofie Löfstedt: Exploring Leadership and Attracting Talent

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Retaining top talent with the reversed mentorship program

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Students Linköping Science Park, Reversed Mentorship program and handbook

Reversed Mentorship - The concept

Reversed mentorship is a concept that takes a twist on the traditional mentorship where more experienced people share their knowledge and support with a younger person. The key concept of reverse mentoring is exactly what it sounds like – reversed. The younger talent takes on the role as a mentor for the more senior person within an organization. The aim is to share experience and bring new perspectives and knowledge to decrease the gap between generations. It is an opportunity to learn from each other and share valuable experience between senior and junior people. 

The first known example of reversed mentorship comes from General Motors in 1990, where this type of mentoring was used to get senior people in leading positions to learn about the internet from younger people within the company. This seemed to work well and it was later shown to also have a positive impact on strategic and cultural aspects in the company. Today, the concept has developed towards focusing more on leadership, innovative thinking and organizational perspectives, and there are several successful programs to be found within large companies, such as Saab and Cambio in Linköping. The programs are described as an important tool for the management to improve within various areas, while they simultaneously get to share experience and knowledge that they have acquired. All this, on a neutral playing field where good ideas can be shared informally. 

 

Brilliant Mentors of the Future, handbook for reversed mentorship

Our Manual for Reversed Mentorship

This handbook will help you form your mentorship to a positive and developing experience for both mentor and mentee. The book contains:

  • Role descriptions
  • How to set rules and guidelines for your mentorship
  • Discussion guide to help you plan your meetings and conversations

Download the book here!


Contact

Gabriel Stenlund, Project Manager Brilliant Mentors of the Future

gabriel.stenlund@linkopingsciencepark.se

Contact

Anna Broeders, Talent & Community Manager

anna.broeders@linkopingsciencepark.se


Brilliant Mentors of the Future is an initiative by: