An interview with Liza, a Sci.STEPS mentee, and Jana, her mentor

Interviewer: Evgenia Vorobyeva

When Liza joined Sci.STEPS, she was curious about studying in Europe but did not yet have a clear plan. Three months of mentoring helped her understand how to approach applications, prepare her documents and turn an idea into a concrete next step. Today, she has secured a place in a master's programme at the University of Zurich.

We spoke with Liza and her mentor, Jana, about their experience, what they learned from each other, and why mentoring can make a difference.

Evgeniya: Liza, what was your starting point when you joined Sci.STEPS?

Liza (mentee): Since my second year of bachelor's studies, I had been thinking about doing a master's degree abroad, mainly in Europe. I was interested in understanding how academia works here, but I did not have a clear plan yet. My friends told me about the Sci.STEPS community, so I decided to apply.

Evgeniya: Jana, how did you see Liza's starting point?

Jana (mentor): It was a very smooth start. When Liza first reached out, she already had concrete questions, so we had a great conversation from the beginning. We did not need to start with a specific document or task. We simply talked about what academia is like in Europe and how it compares with other countries

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Evgeniya: What did you work on together during the three-month programme?

Liza: We started by exploring which area of science I wanted to continue in. Then we worked on my CV and motivation letters. I did not really know how to prepare these documents for European universities because the expectations are different from those in Russia. We brainstormed, discussed different approaches and worked on several documents together.

Jana: We talked a lot about wording and how to present things in a way that would make sense in the European academic context. Some things that seemed obvious to Liza were unfamiliar to me, and vice versa. We gradually found common ground, and it was a really good experience.

Evgeniya: Was there a particularly memorable moment for either of you?

Liza: Every Zoom meeting was memorable for me. It was not just about documents and formalities. Jana also encouraged me, and I always felt motivated after our conversations. I left with a clearer idea of what to do next.

Jana: One of my most memorable moments was our last meeting, when we reflected on the programme. I remember telling Liza that I felt I had not done that much: I had mostly listened and answered questions. She was the one who was motivated and doing the work. I think she would have managed without me, too. But it was emotional to realise that I might have made even a small positive difference. A few months later, Liza contacted me again to share that she was moving forward with her applications. That was another special moment.

Evgeniya: What changed for you during and after the programme, Liza?

Liza: I realised that applying to master's programmes in Europe was something I was ready to do. I still had another year at university, so I started preparing in advance, including improving my English and planning my applications. The programme helped me turn a vague idea into a concrete plan.

Evgeniya: And Jana, what did you take away from the experience?

Jana: I realised that I can have an impact on someone simply by listening. That is something I have tried to practise beyond Sci.STEPS, too. I now make a more conscious effort to listen to people.

Evgeniya: Finally, what would you say to people considering joining Sci.STEPS as mentors or mentees?

Liza: Do not hesitate to apply. I think everyone can gain something useful for their future. Having someone who can guide you through your studies, your work or a challenge you are facing makes a real difference.

Jana: I would say that mentoring is much more rewarding than you might expect. As a mentor, I did not realise how much I knew about the academic system until I had the opportunity to share it with someone else. It was wonderful to discover that my experience could be an asset to another person and then see them put it into practice.

And I think it works both ways. Mentees usually come with ideas and motivation, even if they are not yet sure how to develop them. Having a space where they can talk about those ideas is already valuable.

Liza: Applying to Sci.STEPS is already a big step.

Jana: Exactly. And sometimes, just listening is enough to help someone take the next one.

About Sci.STEPS

Are you a scientist seeking to work on your education and career? Sci.STEPS scientific mentorship program offers insights and guidance from experts all over the world in the form of long-term structured guidance or targeted short consultations. From refining your research and soft skills to navigating the complex world of academia and industry, the program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in your scientific journey.