The first round of the new VDT Mentoring Programme begins on 1 September 2026. Following the application and matching phase, 20 mentor–mentee pairs have been formed. They will meet regularly until 15 July 2027, shaping their collaboration independently and according to their individual needs. The programme aims to foster personal and professional exchange between experienced colleagues, early-career professionals, and anyone looking to redefine or reorient their career. At its heart are individual questions, practical experience, and the opportunity to broaden one’s perspective. At the same time, mentoring thrives on dialogue between equals: mentors themselves also gain fresh perspectives and valuable new impulses through the exchange.

VDT President Ulrike Anderson expresses this idea in her column in the second 2026 issue of the VDT Magazine: “In my experience, everyone involved benefits in a lasting way from such a relationship—from professional exchange between equals to the development of joint projects.” In the same article, she reflects on her own experiences with mentors in Germany, the United States and Japan, explaining why personal exchange is more important than ever in times of change.

As this is the first edition of the VDT Mentoring Programme, the inaugural season will be closely supported by its initiators, Justus Beyer and Daniela Rieger. The participants’ experiences and feedback will help to continuously refine and further develop the programme for future cohorts.

VDT with many opportunities for emerging professionals

With the Mentoring Programme, the VDT complements its existing activities, including regional events, specialist groups (Fachreferate), and the Tonmeistertagung. Together, these provide opportunities not only for professional exchange but also for building lasting personal networks. In addition, the Mentoring Programme expands the VDT’s internal initiatives specifically aimed at emerging professionals. These include the 3D Audio Competition for students, the AUXeins Pro Audio Symposium, the Swiss Regional Group’s event “What Kind of Tonmeister Does the Industry Need?”, the scholarship for the Mischen Impossible workshop, and the ongoing work of the Young Talent and Education and Training departments.

We wish all mentors and mentees an inspiring exchange, valuable new insights, and a successful first mentoring season!