How a Mentorship Becomes a Friendship

By: Slava Denys

Colorful illustration titled “2025 Reverse Resolutions List” with labeled sections for reflections, achievements, goals, inspiration, and places visited

February always feels like a month for reflection about relationships. So I want to share two personal stories that show how connections that promised nothing more than a coffee with a stranger turned into friendships lasting for years.

Believe it or not, my friendships with two of my closest friends in Copenhagen started from… a one-time mentor-match meeting at Career Club DK.

These experiences taught me an important rule: you can gain the most from relationships where you expect nothing at all. So be curious, be active, and try to meet new people as often as you can.

So, story one. It starts with the letter A… Anastasija.

Story 1: Anastasija

It was October 2023. I had never tried a Mentor Matching at Career Club DK before. At the time, I was looking for a job and honestly didn’t feel like I could be a mentor to anyone. My life felt too uncertain and unstable for that.

But curiosity pushed me to register for a meeting with Anastasija.

I remember that day very well. A blonde woman with big shining blue eyes and a bright, confident presence was waiting for me in a café with a cup of coffee. Lithuanian. Living in Copenhagen for some years. A finance professional.

For someone like me with a creative background, talking to a financial person felt almost like going to the Moon. But I listened to her advice. Anastasjia: smart, practical, consistent, optimistic – and very realistic about everything she talked about. That’s still what I admire most about her today.

She gave me a completely different angle on job searching, on life in Denmark, and on my life in general.

Now, after many coffees and many conversations, we’ve become real friends. Looking back, I asked her what she remembers about that first meeting.

Slava: Do you remember our first meeting? What impressions did it leave on you?
Anastasjia: Yes, I remember it very well. What stood out to me immediately was the openness and trust in the conversation.
I left that meeting feeling heard and supported, with the sense that this mentorship could become something more meaningful, not just a formal program connection.

How has our relationship developed, and what does it give you today?
We became friends. We often meet for coffee, and time always flies when we are together because we have so much to talk about. We share our experiences, successes, and challenges, and support each other. Today, this relationship gives me encouragement, motivation, and a feeling of connection.

Can you share one thing you feel I have given you?
You are a very positive person, full of energy and good vibes. Your positivity and support make a big difference and always leave me feeling more confident and inspired.

***

I remember walking with Anastasija along Strøget, enjoying the Christmas atmosphere, again appreciating how differently she thinks from me. She always gives me new perspectives.

The frost touched my cheeks, and I remember thinking how lucky I was to have such warm conversations with a good friend on a cold day.

Story 2: Salme

My second story is about my Estonian friend Salme who I met in the same way some years ago.

We met for a simple coffee through the Mentor Match program in November 2023. I clearly remember that first meeting in the always-busy Living Room café in the heart of Copenhagen. Salme had just returned to Europe after spending a decade working in Asia. Denmark was a completely new chapter for her – new challenges, new expectations, and unexpected new rejections.

What impressed me most was her incredible optimism and energy. She did so many different things to reach her goals. She inspired me with her spirit.

Back then, I could never have imagined that two years later we would still be meeting regularly for coffee near her home in Sydhavn. Or that I would be supporting her in difficult moments, and she would be giving me wise life advice in return. And that we will even cooperate on the newsletter team and create projects together.

Here is a short conversation with her about our first meeting and collaboration:

Slava: Why is collaboration important?
Salme: Collaboration is important when looking for a job because most opportunities don’t come from applying online alone - they come from people. When you collaborate, you build relationships, learn from others, and get exposed to opportunities you might not find on your own. Working with classmates, colleagues, or mentors lets you share skills, get feedback, and show how you communicate and contribute in real situations — which is exactly what employers care about.
It also helps you grow confidence. Talking through ideas, solving problems together, or helping someone else often makes your own strengths clearer. In short, collaboration turns job searching from a solo task into a shared process where everyone benefits.

How has the Career Club DK mentor match program inspired you?
At a time when I struggled to find my feet in Denmark after a successful career internationally, a mentor match showed me that I can still help people and encourage them in their growth journey, even when not being in a full-time management role. Being useful and needed by others helped me through the hard time.

Do you remember our first meeting? What impressions did it leave on you?
I still remember meeting you at a cafe on a rainy, cold day. Your smile warmed up my soul and helped me to keep going. I knew that I could rely on you for support and ideas, and it would not be our last coffee date for sure.

How would you describe our relationship now?
I did not know it then, but we would be with you on the board together afterwards and even on the same newsletter team. I love your creative ideas and positivity, but most of all, your resilience. I know that if I need help, you are just a message away. We often meet for a walk or a chat that can give new ideas or just brighten up our days!

How has it developed, and what does it give you today?
I could see your warm and strong nature straight away, but I didn't know that you would become a close friend, a rock, and a mentor for life.

***

I often call Salme the “angel of our team.” Her empathy, precision, intelligence, hard work, and delicate diplomacy in communication are truly amazing. And she is still one of my best mentors!

These two stories remind me why programs like MentorMatching matter so much. Sometimes a simple coffee can change your life in ways you never expected.

So take the chance. Sign up. You never know – your next mentor meeting might turn into a lifelong friendship.

Let’s Do MentorMatching Together

Submission Deadline: 5 February 2026 at 11:00 AM
👉Here

At Career Club DK, we believe in the idea of “Each One Teach One.” Everyone has something to share – and something to learn. Whether it’s mentoring, accountability, or simply being a supportive ear, we all carry experiences that can inspire others and skills we want to improve.

How It Works

• Matching: You’ll be paired with a mentor or mentee and receive guidelines to help you get started.

• Commitment: 4 weeks (from the start of MentorMatch to the 5th of the next month).

• Time Requirement: At least 45 minutes over the period, which can be split into shorter sessions.

• Flexible Meetings: You and your match decide how to connect – in person, by phone, Zoom, etc.