Mentoring
The University of Aberdeen's Careers Service and Alumni Relations Office have established a successful Career Mentoring Programme for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. The Programme links students with Aberdeen alumni who will share their professional experience and expertise.
If you have any questions about the Career Mentoring Programme or the other ways in which you can engage with current students, please contact Julie Bakewell (mentor@abdn.ac.uk) in the Alumni Relations Office.
What is career mentoring?
The Career Mentoring Programme gives you an opportunity, as a working professional, to offer support to a current student in developing their career ideas. As a mentor you will be able to offer the student the benefit of your own experience in a particular profession or employment area, giving them an insight into the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in their chosen career.
Benefits for the alumnus/mentor:
- Contribute to the professional development of future colleagues.
- Become involved with the University in a practical role.
- Enhance your own professional development through new skills.
- Share the value of your experience.
"The mentoring scheme gave me the opportunity to pass on my own experience of the accountancy profession and to assist students with their chosen career path. The mentoring experience has shown me how tough today's job market actually is but armed with the correct job hunting skills and advice from mentors and careers services graduates can succeed in finding a suitable role.
MA Accountancy (1975), Career Mentor 2010/11
The Programme involves matching students with a suitable mentor. If selected for the Programme, we would ask you to:
- Prepare fully for involvement in the Programme (a mentor's guide is provided to matched mentors).
- Commit to at least 2 face-to-face meetings, usually at your workplace; other interactions will occur via phone, email or virtually.
- Give feedback to the Careers Service and/or Alumni Relations Office about the Programme.
Benefits for the current student/mentee:
- Discover the range of career options available to them.
- Gain insight and experience directly from the workforce.
- Develop professional networks.
- Learn industry specific skills and job seeking strategies.
- Improve employment opportunities.
"If you want to gain practical insights into one of the business areas in which you are most interested…join the scheme, it is a brilliant experience!"
MSc Strategic Studies, Career Mentee 2010/11
What sort of things am I likely to be asked?
As a mentor you will be providing current students with the benefit of your experience in a particular profession or employment area. Discussions could cover:
- Exploring career options in your area
- Recruitment procedures used by your organisation
- Information about current developments within your occupation / organisation
- Getting started in your career
- Learning about the job market in your area
- Advising on strategy to help career progression
- Discovering the skills required for work in your field
We will be holding a workshop with the mentees prior to commencing the mentoring programme and can provide some further guidance notes to you as the mentor. The Aberdeen Career Mentoring Programme is not a job referral network.
Am I suitable to become a mentor?
- You need to have good communications skills, a non-judgmental manner and a good rapport with students.
- You must be prepared to provide professional support over the agreed period of time.
- If advice is sought outside your specialist area you should refer mentees back to the University of Aberdeen Careers Service.
How often does the Programme run?
The scheme will run twice during the academic year:*
- October - January
- February - May
* Please note that it is anticipated that mentors will participate in only one of the Schemes in any given academic year.
How do I apply?
The Scheme is open to all University of Aberdeen graduates and you can apply by completing the online application form below. If we are unable to match you to a student in the first instance, we will keep your details on file for future sessions.
How are mentors matched to mentees?
You will be matched up with a mentee based on the information you provide via the online application form (see above) and the students' application forms and CVs.
Engage in other ways with University of Aberdeen students
If you do not feel the Career Mentoring Programme is for you, there are a number of other ways you can engage with current students and support the University of Aberdeen.
- Work Placements
Penultimate year students are looking for paid work experience opportunities, usually over the summer. Offering a placement will not only raise your profile through advertising your vacancy but will also give you long-term benefits as students share their experience. - Work Based Projects
Final year undergraduates and taught postgraduate students welcome the opportunity to complete a relevant project of work with an employer, which is then assessed by the University and contributes to their final degree award. Projects are arranged on an individual basis with the relevant academic School to ensure the correct expertise is available to support the student from the University. - STAR Award
The STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award is an initiative offered to students which recognises and rewards co-curricular achievements (e.g. Students' Association or community volunteering roles). Alumni participation in both workshops and the competency-based interviews is invaluable – both to the students and to the quality of provision for the Award itself. - Skills Workshop
Running a workshop for students can be a great way of raising awareness of your organisation. Students are always keen to hear about employers' tips and practical advice on making applications, interview technique or assessment centres. Some employers also run business games or other work-based exercises to give students an insight into what a particular career would be like.
To express your interest in these initiatives register here.
If you have any questions about the Career Mentoring Programme or the other ways in which you can engage with current students, please contact Julie Bakewell (mentor@abdn.ac.uk) in the Alumni Relations Office.
