Empowering careers. Group mentoring program

Empowering careers. Group mentoring program for international students at SGH is a career-focused initiative created especially for non-Polish-speaking students who want to build their future in Poland.
In small, supportive groups led by mentors, students explore career paths, learn how the Polish job market works, and gain confidence through shared learning, discussion, and real-life insights.
It is the second edition of the programme, and will be held in 2026/2027.

How does the program work?
• Duration: November 2026 – April 2027
• Group format: up to 8 students per mentor
• Meetings: 5 sessions, minimum 1.5 hours each;
• Mode: on campus SGH
Detailed information on duration in the tab SCHEDULE below

The recruitment of the candidates for mentee role starts Nov 27, 2026.
Apply for being a mentee by filling the form below:

Registration - Group Mentoring Program for English-speaking Students

Who are the mentees?
• International SGH students (non-Polish speakers)
• Students from 2nd year and above
• Those interested in pursuing a career in Poland
• Students ready to actively engage in the mentoring process (participation in group meetings is obligatory)

Who are the mentors?
Mentors are professionals willing to share their knowledge and experiences with SGH international students, SGH alumni and academics among them. They communicate fluently in English, possess broad professional or business experience in Poland or internationally, have experience in mentoring, coaching, or team leadership and are motivated to support students’ professional and personal development through open dialogue and reflection.

MORE INFORMATION FOR MENTEE

What’s in it for you?
By joining the program, you will:
• Gain a better understanding of the Polish job market and workplace culture
• Learn directly from mentors and their professional experiences
• Develop confidence in communication, networking, and recruitment situations
• Identify and articulate your strengths
• Clarify your career direction and next steps
• Expand your professional network — mentors and peers alike
• Feel more included and supported as part of the SGH international community

Why should you join?
Starting a career in a new country involves navigating a new labor market, workplace culture, and professional expectations.
The Group Mentoring Program provides structured guidance, peer exchange, and practical preparation to support this transition.

Registration - Group Mentoring Program for English-speaking Students

More information about mentors

Anna Bachulska-Kossek

Accredited ICF Coach I Agritourism owner & manager I Postgraduate student in Yoga and Relaxation at AWF

Background: Former corporate leader (Haleon, Danone, J&J); SGH Graduate

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About Me

Until I was 14, I wanted to be a doctor; at 20, I thought HR was my path - yet I built a 20+ year marketing career in top FMCG (Danone, J&J) and OTC companies (Novartis/GSK/Haleon), navigating major corporate transformations within one organization. Today, as a coach, I help my clients uncover their strengths and build a practical career roadmap. Personally, I bring that same adventurous spirit to life through running, sailing, kickboxing with my daughter, and long camping road trips.

What you can expect from our group sessions:

A space for honest, pressure-free reflection to explore your career choices guided by a seasoned professional.
Clarity on your strengths & motivators to understand what truly drives you and sets you apart.
Practical tools to reframe doubts and build quiet confidence in an international market.
Your personalized, realistic action plan with concrete next steps tailored to your goals.
Diverse perspectives & peer support from fellow students shaping their own career paths.

My mentoring style
I build a warm, supportive, and accountable environment rooted in my core strengths: recognizing individual uniqueness, developing others, and bringing contagious optimism to every session. I focus on open dialogue and active listening, creating a safe space for genuine reflection and growth.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions x 1.5h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1 (after the Inauguration): Monday, 23 November 2026, from 19:30 to 21:00.
Session 2: Tuesday, 15 December 2026, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 3: Tuesday, 19 January 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 4: Tuesday, 23 February 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 5: Tuesday, 16 March 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.

Andrzej Klimczuk, PhD

Assistant Professor | Department of Social Policy, SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Background: Sociologist and public policy researcher; European Commission expert; Former online media editor

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About Me

I am a sociologist and public policy researcher at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, where I teach innovation policy, the digital economy and sociology, and I have authored more than 300 publications on population ageing, social and digital innovation and public management. I advise European institutions and programmes as a member of the European Commission’s expert group on the New European Bauhaus Facility and as an external expert for, among others, Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE. I lead the socio-economic assessment in the Horizon Europe and NCBR project EMA_FRAILTY. Before entering academia, I worked for several years as an editor in Polish media and in non-governmental organisations, so I know that career paths rarely run in a straight line. I enjoy helping students link their interests to work in research, public policy and the non-profit sector.

What you can expect from our group sessions:

Careers in the public and international sector: What working in public administration, EU institutions, international organisations, NGOs and think tanks involve, and practical routes into it – traineeships, calls for experts, evaluation panels and project roles.
Research and evidence skills: Turning a question into a small project, finding and assessing sources, using official statistics (e.g., Eurostat, OECD, Statistics Poland) and writing short, clear texts for decision-makers.
International projects and networks: How EU-funded projects and research networks (e.g., Horizon Europe, COST Actions) work, and how to use conferences, scholarships and mobility programmes to build a professional profile.
Innovation with social impact: Working on real cases from ageing populations, age-friendly cities and the silver economy, as well as testing your own ideas with design management and value-proposition tools.

My mentoring style
Each meeting combines a short input with discussion and hands-on work on the questions participants bring. I encourage debate, peer feedback and evidence-based reasoning. I aim to create a space where students can test ideas before committing to a path.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions x 2h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1: Sunday, 22 November 2026, from 12:00 to 14:00.
Session 2: Sunday, 20 December 2026, from 12:00 to 14:00.
Session 3: February 2027 (exact date and time to be confirmed).
Session 4: March 2027 (exact date and time to be confirmed).
Session 5: April 2027 (exact date and time to be confirmed).

Dr Anna Masłoń-Oracz

Background: Corporate Manager/SGH Lecturer

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About Me

I am an economist, academic and business leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic management, international consulting and project leadership across Europe and Africa. My background includes roles as the founder/co-founder at Runmageddon, bizu.pl, maroney.pl, focusonproject.pl and leadership roles at International/FranklinCovey and the Płock Industrial and Technological Park, combining business development, innovation and executive education. At SGH Warsaw School of Economics, I focus on entrepreneurship, leadership and international partnerships, including serving as UNESCO Chairhloder and the Rector’s Representative for Africa. I am driven to mentor students by a desire to bridge academic knowledge with practical experience, helping them recognise their strengths, build confidence and pursue meaningful careers.

What you can expect grom our Group sessions:

Career Direction and Personal Strengths: Identify your strengths, explore career paths and turn your ambitions into a practical action plan.
Leadership, Communication and Negotiation: Practise presenting ideas, working effectively in teams and navigating challenging conversations with confidence.
International Business and Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Gain insights from projects across Europe and Africa and learn how to collaborate across cultures.
From Ideas to Action: Learn how to structure a project, engage stakeholders and demonstrate your skills through concrete examples in applications and interviews.

My mentoring style
My mentoring style is collaborative and practical: I encourage open discussion, shared learning and working through real-life challenges together. I create a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas and taking initiative, with honest feedback and clear next steps.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions: 2 x 1.5h + 3 x 2h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1 (after the Inauguration): Friday, 27 November 2026, from 16:00 to 17:30.
Session 2: Wednesday, 9 December 2026, from 12:00 to 13:30.
Session 3: Tuesday in January 2027 (exact date to be confirmed), from 15:00 to 17:00.
Session 4: Tuesday in February 2027 (exact date to be confirmed), from 15:00 to 17:00.
Session 5: Tuesday in March 2027 (exact date to be confirmed), from 15:00 to 17:00.

Piotr Mechecki

Business Leader & Transformation Manager | Mentor

Background: Former business leader (TAURON, Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, Trakcja, PHN, Credit Agricole) | Expert in change management and transformations

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About Me

I am an experienced business leader with a background in banking, energy, IT, construction and real estate. I have held managerial positions in major Polish state-owned companies and served as a board member, including Vice President of Trakcja, a publicly listed construction company. I am currently involved in one of the largest business transformation programmes in Central Europe. For nearly 10 years I have been helping students explore career opportunities, understand business realities and prepare for the professional challenges, working as a mentor in the WSE’s mentoring program.

What you can expect from our Group sessions:

Finding your direction & opportunities: Exploring career options and identifying professional goals aligned with your strengths and interests.
Understanding business & leadership: Gaining insights into how organisations operate, how leaders make decisions and what employers expect from their teams.
Navigating the Polish workplace: Understanding professional communication, workplace culture and the challenges of working in multicultural environments.
Career profile review & employer feedback: Reviewing how you present your experience and strengths to employers, offering constructive feedback and suggesting improvements to make your profile more effective.

My mentoring style
Open, practical and experience-driven. I encourage honest discussion, exchange of perspectives and learning from real business situations to help students make confident career decisions.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions x 1.5h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1: Monday, 23 November 2026, from 19:30 to 21:00.
Session 2: Wednesday, 9 December 2026, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Session 3: Wednesday, 13 January 2027, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Session 4: Wednesday, 10 February 2027, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Session 5: Wednesday, 3 March 2027, from 17:00 to 18:30.

Joanna Mydra

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About Me

I am an Executive and Team Coach who bridges senior commercial leadership with psychological tools. My background includes 15 years at P&G - 10 in marketing and 5 in sales - spanning 10 Central European markets. Over the past 6 years, I have built an independent coaching practice, logging over 2,000 hours with individual clients and teams. By combining real-world business acumen with evidence-based coaching, I help students navigate career complexity, build confidence, and transition seamlessly into the job market.

What you can expect grom our Group sessions:

Self-Reflection: Clarifying your long-term life and career vision, core values, motivators, and strengths to guide targeted job search actions. The first part of the program focuses on creating both a long-term strategy and an immediate action plan for each participant.
Masterminds: The second part of the program focuses on putting these plans into practice using a mastermind format—leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of the group to tackle individual challenges.
Building Confidence: Fostering the confidence to plan, take action, and test new paths throughout the program, even when you don’t feel 100% prepared

My mentoring style
I build safe, non-judgmental space for reflecting, trying, making mistakes and learning.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions: 1 x 1h + 4 x 1.5h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1: Monday, 23 November 2026, from 19:30 to 20:30.
Session 2: Monday, 14 December 2026, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 3: Monday, 11 January 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 4: Monday, 22 February 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 5: Monday, 15 March 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.

Marek Paśka, MBA

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About Me

I bring over 28 years of international experience in the pharmaceutical industry, working primarily across Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. My background combines business leadership, marketing, sales, and team development with executive education across seven countries on four continents.

For the past nine years, I have been a mentor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, including the inaugural edition of its International Mentoring Program in the last academic year. As a graduate of coaching and mentoring studies at SWPS University, I am passionate about helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and navigate career choices to achieve meaningful and lasting professional growth.

What you can expect grom our Group sessions:

Career Development & Personal Growth: Identify your strengths, clarify your career goals, and create an actionable development plan.
Leadership & Teamwork: Develop leadership skills, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate in diverse teams.
Marketing, Sales & Business Insights: Gain practical insights from international business experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Confidence & Professional Communication: Strengthen your presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to prepare for real-world business
challenges

My mentoring style
My approach is supportive, practical, and based on open dialogue, active listening, and sharing real-world experience. I create a safe and collaborative environment where participants can exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions, and turn insights into actionable steps. I believe that consistent effort and patience are the foundations of meaningful and lasting change.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions: 1 x 1.5h + 4 x 2h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1 (after the Inauguration): Monday, 23 November 2026, from 19:30 to 21:00.
Session 2: Thursday, 26 November 2026, from 17:00 to 19:00.
Session 3: Tuesday, 12 January 2027, from 17:00 to 19:00.
Session 4: Tuesday, 2 February 2027, from 17:00 to 19:00.
Session 5: Tuesday, 2 March 2027, from 17:00 to 19:00.

Maciej Pogoda

Director, Technology Solutions | ERP & Digital Transformation Leader

Background: Business Technology Executive | ERP Transformation Leader | Mentor | Speaker

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About Me

I am a technology and business transformation leader with over 25 years of experience delivering complex ERP, cloud, and digital transformation programs across international markets. Throughout my career, I have helped organizations translate business strategy into practical technology solutions, with a strong focus on Microsoft Dynamics 365, enterprise architecture, and organizational change. As a leader at EPAM, I work with executive teams to shape transformation initiatives and build high-performing delivery organizations. I joined the mentoring program because I enjoy helping young professionals navigate career choices, develop leadership capabilities, and better understand the realities of today’s technology and consulting industries.

What you can expect from our Group sessions:

Building a successful career in technology and consulting: Understanding career paths, growth opportunities, and the critical skills needed to succeed in the modern business and technology landscape.
Leadership and professional development: Learning how to build influence, communicate effectively, lead teams, and develop a professional mindset from the early stages of your career.
Digital transformation and innovation: Exploring how organizations use technology, AI, cloud platforms, and ERP systems to transform operations and create competitive advantage.
Real business challenges and executive decision-making: Discussing real-life examples from international projects, client engagements, and leadership situations to understand how strategic decisions are made in practice.

My mentoring style
Open, practical, and interactive. I believe the best learning comes from honest discussion, exchanging experiences, and challenging assumptions. My goal is to create an environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and gaining insights that can help them make informed career and personal development decisions.

When we would meet (SGH Building W, Room 60 | 5 sessions x 1.5h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1: Monday, 23 November 2026, from 20:30 to 22:00.
Session 2: Tuesday, 8 December 2026, from 20:30 to 22:00.
Session 3: Tuesday, 12 January 2027, from 20:30 to 22:00.
Session 4: Tuesday, 2 February 2027, from 20:30 to 22:00.
Session 5: Tuesday, 2 March 2027, from 20:30 to 22:00.

Hanna Rachoń

Academic teacher at Warsaw School of Economics (SGH)

Background: experience in business – real estate and project management, SGH lecturer – project management, leadership, entrepreneurship

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About Me

I am a graduate of the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of Warsaw (WNE UW) and the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH). I work as an academic teacher in the Department of Project Management, Institute of Management, at SGH, where I give classes in project management, leadership and entrepreneurship, as well as project management within the CEMS programme.

My research focuses on small projects, with particular emphasis on civic projects. In recent years, I have taken part in the “Mazovia Global” project, in which I examined opportunities for companies from the Mazovia region to expand into the markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. I am also engaged in a Polish-Swiss project called IDEAS Women dedicated to ladies who are interested in start-ups.

As a mentor, I enjoy helping students see that even a small project can change something real. I mentor because I remember how much a single good conversation can change the direction of a young person’s plans. What motivates me as a mentor is the moment when a student stops asking “what should I do?” and starts saying “here is what I am going to try.” I am here to help students turn half-formed ideas into projects they can actually start.

Privately, I am a mother of three boys, doing my best to keep up with them in our shared active passions: skiing, cycling and sailing.

What you can expect from our Group sessions:

Small projects, real impact: We will take a modest idea, such as a student initiative, a local campaign or a team assignment, and work out what it takes to get it off the ground: the goal, the people, the time and the budget.
Working across borders and backgrounds: Our group is international, so we will use that as a resource. We will compare how people from different countries approach planning, teamwork and decision-making, and what this means for your studies, initiatives and future jobs.
Learning by trying: Between meetings we will test one thing or conclusion. We will then look together at what worked, what did not and what to try next. Thanks to this we will grow meeting be meeting.

My mentoring style
I see mentoring as a conversation between equals, not a lecture and students. I start from the questions you actually bring, and I am happy to say what I would do in your place, as long as you make the final call. I expect a relaxed but focused meeting: we talk things through, try ideas out loud, and leave each session with at least one thing or conclusion to test before the next meeting. Mistakes are welcome here, because they are usually where the best lessons come from.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1 (after the Opening Gala): Friday, 23 October 2026, at 19:30.
Session 2: Thursday, 3 December 2026, at 15:30 or 17:00 (to be agreed with the group).
Session 3: Date and time to be confirmed.
Session 4: Date and time to be confirmed.
Session 5: Date and time to be confirmed.

Marcin Wojtysiak-Kotlarski

Professor of SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Background: significant experience in business – sales / internal auditing – Generali / KBC, co-founder of iWorld Group -incubator of start-ups

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About Me

I am a Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics with 30 years of professional experience spanning academia, business, and senior management. My expertise focuses on international business, global competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with particular interest in multinational corporations and startup ecosystems. Throughout my career, I have led international initiatives, strategic projects, and research programmes, while actively supporting young entrepreneurs and student initiatives. As a mentor, I am passionate about inspiring students to think globally, pursue ambitious goals, and turn their ideas and potential into meaningful professional achievements.

What you can expect from our Group sessions:

Life is a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. Each of us has untapped potential, and together we will work to discover and unlock it.
We will explore the importance of meaningful dialogue, attentiveness, and openness to others. Engaging in conversations, listening carefully, and exchanging perspectives are essential to personal growth.
We will cultivate a passion for critical thinking, personal agency, and independent thought. We will develop the confidence to form, express, and stand by our own opinions.

My mentoring style
My mentoring style is supportive, open, and built around active listening, meaningful dialogue, and mutual trust. I encourage students to think critically and independently, discover their potential, and believe in their ability to continuously develop new skills, competencies, and perspectives.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions x 1.5h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1 (after the official launch of the programme): Monday, 23 November 2026, from 19:30 to 21:00 (room to be confirmed).
Session 2: Monday, 7 December 2026, from 17:15 to 18:45 (Grosik Building, Room 111).
Session 3: Monday, 11 January 2027, from 17:15 to 18:45 (Grosik Building, Room 111).
Session 4: Monday, 1 March 2027, from 17:15 to 18:45 (Grosik Building, Room 111).
Session 5 (closing session): Monday, 12 April 2027, from 17:15 to 18:45 (Grosik Building, Room 111).

Joanna Zapolska

Accredited EMCC Coach & Mentor | SGH Career Advisor

Background: Former corporate leader (Procter & Gamble, Ecolab) | Founder

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About Me

I am an EMCC-accredited mentor and career advisor with over 20 years of leadership experience in multinational corporations, including Procter & Gamble and Ecolab. Combining business practice with cognitive development and coaching tools, I help students navigate career complexity, explore meaningful pathways, and build professional strategies with confidence and experimenting mode.

What You can expect from our group sessions:

Finding your direction & goals: Clarifying your short- and long-term professional goals and navigating through a multitude of available career options.
Exploring & testing career paths: Taking the pressure off the decision-making process by exploring options and learning how to test different career pathways before making final commitments.
Strengths & preferences: Identifying your core talents, values, and preferences to discover which direction best aligns with your potential.
Real case problem-solving (“Hot Seat”): Working on live participant case studies to solve real career dilemmas, exchange peer feedback, and gain practical insights.

My mentoring style
Direct, warm, and structured - grounded in cognitive and coaching frameworks. I focus on taking the stress out of career planning, encouraging to experimenting, and creating a supportive space for personal and career growth.

When we would meet (SGH Campus | 5 sessions: 5 x 1.5h)
Please verify that you can attend these dates before selecting this group as your priority.

Session 1 (after the Inauguration): Monday, 23 November 2026, from 19:30 to 21:00.
Session 2: Tuesday, 8 December 2026, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 3: Tuesday, 12 January 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 4: Tuesday, 2 February 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.
Session 5: Tuesday, 2 March 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00.

SCHEDULE

9 November, 18:00 - 19:30
Zero Meeting (Introduction to the Program, Mentors profile presentation)
All participants (who applied) SGH campus, G152

23 November, 18:30 - 19:30 and 19:30-21:00 group sessions
Program inauguration & 1st group meeting (Intro & Goal setting)
All participants (mentors & mentees) SGH campus

10 December, 17:00 - 18:30
CV masterclass
Mentees SGH campus, G152
tbc Networking event – as part of SGH Career Fairs
All participants (mentors & mentees) SGH campus

May 2027 - tbc Official Program closure & group summary meeting
All participants (mentors & mentees) SGH campus

Important organizational notes
• The final date, time, and format of meetings are decided within each group.
• The program inauguration and final closure meeting are planned as on-campus events.

Support & coordination

The program schedule and logistics are coordinated by the SGH Students’ Union and SGH Career Center, which:
• provides organizational guidance,
• supports mentors and groups in scheduling,
• serves as a contact point in case of questions or challenges.

About

EDUCATIONAL OFFER

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COOPERATION WITH SGH