AAN Mentorship Program
6th Cohort - Fall 2026
The sixth rendition of the AAN Mentorship Program will take place from
mid-September to mid-December 2026.
Mentee applications will be open July 26th to August 9th 2026.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide individual feedback to applications. If you do not hear from us by September 13th 2026, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Program Description & Guidelines
Please make sure to read the Program Description as well as the Guidelines before applying:
Mentee applications:
Sun, July 26th - August 9th 2026
Selection & Matching:
Successful mentee candidates will be informed by Sun, September 13th at the latest
Main phase:
September 14th to December 13th 2026
Feedback: December-January
Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
⮞ Do I need to be an anthropologist to apply?
No. You do not need to be an anthropologist by training, but you should have some understanding of anthropology and be able to explain your background in the application form.
⮞ What is the next step of the application process?
Mentees will be selected based on the application form solely. We will not conduct interviews with potential applicants, so please make sure to present your profile the best you can.
⮞ Can I reapply if I am not successful this time?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for the next call for mentees.
⮞ Tips for successful applications
Don't just copy-paste AI generated answers. We can usually tell and will not consider your application.
Give us as much information as you think we/the mentor could need but as little as you can. We do not ask you to write a whole motivational letter. A few sentences per question (or per point for the 3 topics question) is usually sufficient and best.
Be honest about the where you're currently at in your journey and don't try to oversell yourself. Do not treat this as a job application where you have to show yourself from your best side. The mentor needs to know how they could help you.
The more concrete you can be about what you are interested in or struggling with the better. This can help us/the mentor understand better how you could benefit from the program and whether it is a good fit or not.
Have a proper look at the mentors' profiles (and maybe also their LinkedIns) to select those as preferences that you think would be the best fit. Don't just look at their titles and/or location. Shared experiences or backgrounds and a general impression you get can make sure it's a better match and make it more likely to be selected by a mentor.
However, unsuccessful applications do NOT necessarily mean it was due to low quality. We have only limited spots per cohort (usually only 10% get selected) and can only take mentees on if we have a mentor with suitable expertise. So please do not be discouraged and try again for the next cohort!
⮞ What if I realise that my mentor is not a good fit?
After the introductory meeting with your mentor, you may be able to discontinue with the program, if you feel strongly that the relationship will be unsuccessful. In this scenario, we will not be able to find another mentor for you and you will be withdrawn from the program.
⮞ What is the structure of the mentoring sessions?
There is no general structure of the mentoring sessions, as these sessions should focus on the individual needs, challenges and goals of mentees. You as a mentee will be responsible for scheduling the sessions, drafting an agenda and suggesting topics to discuss.
Do you have any questions not included here? Reach out!
mentorship(at)applied-anthropology.com
⮞ Why are we not informing all applicants about the ouctome of their application?
We are more than excited about the astounding interest in the program! Unfortunately, as a fully volunteer-run initiative, we do not have the capacity to reply to each candidate due to time constraints and have not yet found a technical solution that allows us to do so more easily.
⮞ Do I need to pay to participate in the program?
No. The AAN Mentorship Program is fully free and does not incur any costs for participants.
⮞ Can I apply if I need support with my academic research or want to go back to the university?
No, this program focuses on applying anthropology skills in settings outside of academia. However, EASA has recently launched their own mentorship program focusing on academic professional development - check it out here: EASA Academic Mentorship Program