Building on the success of their Professional Mentoring Programme, The University of Plymouth are delighted to be expanding their programme again for 2019/20, and are looking for new professional mentors to support our students.
The Professional Mentoring Programme provides mentoring support for students that are typically underrepresented in higher education in order to promote diversity in the workplace and to raise the aspirations and achievements of the students who are eligible for the programme.
So what is involved?
The programme runs from October – April every year. You will meet your allocated student approx. 6 times – which works out to once a month, for about an hour (this can be face to face, phone calls or skype). Students and mentors set the time and date of the meetings, to ensure they are convenient to both parties. In their training session, the student will be supported to understand how to make the most of a mentoring relationship and to identify relevant and appropriate topics or issues to discuss with their mentor, so that as a professional, your time is used most effectively. Typical discussions focus around:
- Entry routes into your career area
- Gathering your observations on the professional area that you are in
- Seeking your support with networking
- Your thoughts and advice on typical early challenges in the work place, rights, roles and responsibilities; and where appropriate disclosure
At the end of the programme we have an amazing celebration event to recognise how much our students and mentors have gained from the experience – this normally takes place at the beginning of May.
The programme allows students to gain confidence as well as learn more about the world of work but there is just as much for our mentors to gain by taking part. Previous mentors have told us that they have:
- Developed coaching skills
- Refreshed their own view of work
- Been able to promote their profession, sector, employer or business
- Developed their reflective learning
- Acted as a positive role model
- Increased their awareness of diversity issues
Professional mentoring is a rewarding experience which helps our mentees and mentors build a range of skills, we hope that you will consider taking part.
To find out more and register as a mentor on the programme please email [email protected]
