DARE TWO

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Connecting tech professionals with a migration background to experienced mentors who can help them navigate the Swiss job market and build a stronger network in the tech industry.

Why join?

👩‍🌾 For Mentors

  • Share your knowledge with emerging tech talent.

  • Help build a more inclusive and diverse tech industry

  • Gain fresh perspectives through cross-cultural exchange.

  • Grow your network and connect with fellow mentors and future innovators.

🌱 For Mentees

  • Get insights into the Swiss job market from experienced professionals.

  • Build a meaningful relationship with a mentor invested in your growth.

  • Boost your confidence to take the next step, pivot, or enter the tech industry.

  • Expand your network by connecting with mentors and industry insiders.

About the program

📅 Duration

The program lasts for 3 months from September until December 2025. We kick off with the ‘Dare to Thrive in Tech’ event on September 8th.

⏳ Time Commitment

Mentors / mentees dedicate between 5–6 hours over 3 months. We recommend bi-weekly 45–60 minute meetings (virtual or in-person).

🤝 Community Events

‘Dare to Thrive in Tech’ kick-off event on September 8th 2025, at Kraftwerk Zurich. Register here.

We will wrap up with an in-person event in January 2026 (date TBA).

How it works

  • Register your interest in becoming a mentor or mentee.

  • We will match you based on background, interests, and goals. We try our best to find you a suitable match, however matching is not guaranteed. If we can’t match you this time, we’ll keep you informed about future rounds.

  • Meet in person at the ‘Dare to Thrive in Tech’ kick-off event on September 8th in Zurich. There you will get to know your mentor / mentee and network with fellow tech professionals.

  • Connect throughout the program with ~5-6 one-on-one meetings. You can choose to meet in-person or virtually, for 45-60 minutes sessions.

  • Celebrate, reconnect, and reflect on the program at the wrap-up event in January 2026

Start your mentorship journey

Who is eligibile?

🌱 Mentees

Tech professionals with a migration background living in the Canton of Zurich, or interested in working or relocating to Zurich. Curious, motivated, and open to receiving feedback and guidance.

👩‍🌾 Mentors

Professionals with 3+ years of experience in tech or a tech-related field, of which at least 1 year working in Switzerland. Ready to support diverse talent in an inclusive, respectful way.

FAQs

  • For this program, we define “migration background” as having moved to Switzerland from another country—recently or in the past—regardless of nationality, citizenship status, or reason for migrating. This includes, but isn’t limited to, skilled workers, international students, refugees, or anyone seeking new opportunities in Switzerland’s tech sector.

  • We match based on tech areas, preferences, language, goals, and availability.

  • We aim to support 20-25 mentorship pairs.

  • The program lasts for 3 months, from September to December 2025.

  • No, the program is free. We do ask you to register for the ‘Dare to Thrive in Tech’ event, where we will provide you with a promo code. Please contact daretwo@hello5050.world if you haven’t received the code.

  • We strongly recommend attending the event, as this will be the kick-off for the program. Besides meeting your mentor/mentee and fellow professionals, you will also get valuable information on navigating the tech industry in Switzerland. Learn more and register here.

  • To be a mentee you have to fulfil the following criteria:

    • A migration background and interest in growing your career or entering the tech sector

    • Living in the Canton of Zurich, or interested in working and/or relocating to Zurich. 

    • Eager to develop professional skills, expand your network, and receive guidance from someone experienced in the field

    • Motivated to participate actively, attend meetings, and pursue your goals with support

    • Open to feedback, new ideas, and willing to share your experiences with your mentor

  • To be a mentor you have to fulfil the following criteria:

    • 3+ years of work experience in tech or a related field

    • Minimum one year of professional experience in Switzerland (knowledge of local work culture, hiring practices, and industry dynamics)

    • Willing to dedicate time and attention to support another person’s career journey (5-6x hour-long 1-on-1 meetings over 3 months, in-person or virtual)

    • Open to sharing your insights, using your connections, and giving feedback in an inclusive, non-judgmental manner.

  • Yes, you can absolutely sign up to be a mentor even if you’ve never mentored before! We encourage you to gain experience through our program—just make sure you meet the criteria above.

  • Participants should allocate between 5-6 hours during the 3 month period. You are flexible to arrange the cadence and duration of your sessions. We recommend having bi-weekly sessions of 45-60 minutes.

  • Registrations for the mentorship program close on August 31st.

  • We’ll inform you and ask for your permission to keep your details for future rounds.

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