Mentoring
The University of Aberdeen's Alumni Relations Office and Careers Service 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.
General Stream
The General Stream was launched in March 2011 and has so far matched over 70 students with Aberdeen graduates. Graduates from all disciplines are sought to provide invaluable advice and support to current students.
Law Stream
In 2012/13, the Career Mentoring Programme is expanding to include a dedicated Law Stream. As part of this expansion, 5 local organisations are supporting the Stream: Ledingham Chalmers, Mackinnons, Pinsent Masons, Paull & Williamsons and The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. It is specifically for those who originally graduated in law and those who later converted to law and who are currently working in the legal profession.
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."
Alumni Mentor 2010/11"The Career Mentoring Programme is a very worthwhile experience for both parties. The University is producing some very high quality graduates and it is a pleasure to be able to share my work experience with them. It is a useful opportunity to reflect on your own career and to ponder about what you've learnt and what mistakes you could avoid if you could wind back the clock. This experience can be passed on to the next generation and hopefully it will accelerate their career path and help them to find the job that suits and interests them."
Alumni Mentor 2011/12
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).
- Be able to commit to 1-2 hours per month to the mentorship. Interactions will occur face-to-face or virtually, by phone or email.
- 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!"
Student Mentee 2010/11"The Career Mentoring Programme has provided me with vital skills required to pursue a successful career when I leave University. I have gained confidence in my own abilities and believe that this will benefit me greatly in the future."
Student Mentee 2011/12
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.
"It was a great learning experience in mentoring and in working with a young person. I hope I've played some small part in helping a fellow Aberdeen graduate to get a job in this difficult environment."
Alumni Mentor, 2011/12
How often does the Programme run?
The session runs for a 6-month period during the academic year between November and April.
How do I register?
The Programme is open to all University of Aberdeen graduates and you can register your interest by completing the online application form. If we are unable to match you to a student in the first instance, we will keep your details on file for future opportunities.
The General Stream is open to graduates of all degree subjects.
The Law Stream is open to law graduates only (either LLB (Hons) or DLP).
Registration for the Programme in 2012/13 is now closed.
We are, however, accepting registrations throughout the year for the Programme in 2013/2014.
How are mentors matched to mentees?
You will be matched up with a mentee based on the information you provide via the online application process (see above) and the students' application forms and CVs.
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.
