The University of Aberdeen Career Mentoring Programme is a unique opportunity to be matched with an experienced professional to gain one-to-one careers advice, support and guidance in a specific profession and/or sector.
Why take part?
As a mentee you’ll experience a wide range of benefits as a result of your mentoring partnership which could make a big difference to your life and your future career prospects.
Taking part in the Career Mentoring Programme will allow you to:
- Explore a particular profession or employment area.
- Develop work-related skills and confidence.
- Connect with relevant professionals to build effective career networks.
Successful participation in the Career Mentoring Programme is recorded on your Enhanced Transcript, which you can share with employers or postgraduate recruiters when you finish your studies.
"Getting into the Career Mentoring Programme was a gift to me. The insights I gained into my chosen field in engineering, working as an international and professional development have been unmatched to this day. If you are looking for something extra to give you the edge in your career development, I would highly recommend you join the Programme"
Edifon Udoh, MSc Subsea Engineering
What’s involved?
The Career Mentoring Programme involves matching students with a suitable volunteer mentor in a relevant career area.
If matched on the programme, it is your responsibility to:
- Commit fully to the programme.
- Commit to all types of contact, ie face-to-face (in person or via Zoom/Teams etc) and via phone or email, depending on the location of your mentor.
- Take the lead in arranging, keeping track of and recording interactions with your mentor.
- Be open to ideas and feedback and be motivated to improve your prospects and employability.
- Provide feedback to the Careers and Employability Service about the programme.
To make sure you get the most from your mentoring relationship you will be expected to complete compulsory training before you get started with your mentor, to understand the scheme and expectations.
The programme does not guarantee a work placement or future graduate employment.
Who is eligible to take part?
Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students from both the Aberdeen and Qatar campuses regardless of subject or year of study can participate.
When will the programme run?
We are currently reviewing and developing our Career Mentoring Programme. It will not run in the first half session of the 2023-24 academic year. We anticipate applications opening again in January 2024.
How do I apply?
Applications are currently closed.
Further information
For further information about the Career Mentoring programme, have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you still have questions, please email mentor@abdn.ac.uk.
We also have a range or resources to support mentors and mentees on the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the programme run and who is eligible to apply?
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We are currently reviewing and developing our Career Mentoring Programme. It will not run in the first half session of the 2023-24 academic year. We anticipate applications opening again in January 2024.
Note that students from both Aberdeen and Qatar campuses are eligible to apply, regardless of year or subject of study.
- What does the programme involve?
-
The Career Mentoring Programme involves matching students with a suitable volunteer mentor in a relevant career area.
If matched on the programme, it is your responsibility to:
- Commit fully to the programme.
- Commit to all types of contact, ie face-to-face (in person or via Skype/ FaceTime) and via phone or email, depending on the location of your mentor.
- Take the lead in arranging, keeping track of and recording interactions with your mentor.
- Be open to ideas and feedback and be motivated to improve your prospects and employability.
- Provide feedback to the Careers Service about the programme
To make sure you get the most from your mentoring relationship you will be expected to complete a compulsory training session before you get started with your mentor, to understand the scheme and expectations.
The programme does not guarantee a work placement or future graduate employment.
- Who are the mentors?
-
Mentors are experienced professionals (alumni of the University and non-alumni) who have volunteered to provide one-to-one careers advice and support to a University of Aberdeen student for the duration of the scheme. Mentors cover a wide range of professions and sectors.
- Where are the mentors based?
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The mentors are based mainly in the UK, but not all will be in Aberdeen. If matched with a mentor elsewhere in the UK or in another country, your contact with your mentor will be primarily via online facilities.
- How long does the Career Mentoring Programme last?
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We are currently reviewing and developing our Career Mentoring Programme. It will not run in the first half session of the 2023-24 academic year. We anticipate applications opening again in January 2024. Updates will be available here as soon as possible.
- What is the application process?
-
We are currently reviewing and developing our Career Mentoring Programme. It will not run in the first half session of the 2023-24 academic year. We anticipate applications opening again in January 2024 and the appication process will be explained here.
- How are students matched to mentors?
-
We are currently reviewing and developing our Career Mentoring Programme. It will not run in the first half session of the 2023-24 academic year. We anticipate applications opening again in January 2024 and the matching process will be explained here.
- How much time would I spend taking part in the programme?
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You should set aside approximately 1-2 hours a month to take part in the programme. Try not to let time pass with no contact at all. The more time you put in, the more you will get out of the programme.
- I am nervous about meeting/contacting my mentor for the first time, what should I do?
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It is understandable that you could be nervous when first contacting your mentor or when meeting them in person for the first time. Remember, you mentor is interested in helping you with your career aspirations, so please relax and remember your mentor was once in your shoes! Please also remain polite and thank your mentor for any help.
We have a range or resources to support mentors and mentees on the programme, including sample meeting agendas and case studies from previous mentees
Please contact a member of the team if you have any questions or require further support at mentor@abdn.ac.uk.
- Do mentors have placements or graduate jobs available as part of the programme?
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No! The programme does not guarantee a work placement or future graduate employment. The programme is not a job referral network.
- Can I take part in the programme more than once?
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No. Due to the competitive nature of the programme, you can only take part once.
- I haven’t heard from my mentor for weeks, what should I do?
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By signing up to this scheme, mentors agreed to maintain contact with their mentee throughout the duration of the scheme. The level of contact expected is a minimum of at least once per month via email, telephone, Skype or in person. Please be patient with your mentor as there will be periods when he or she is very busy or could be on holiday. However, mentors should inform you when these busy periods are coming up, just as you the mentee should also inform their mentors of when you will be unavailable (e.g. holiday or exam periods).
If you have not heard from your mentor in a long time (more than 4 weeks), please contact a member of the team at mentor@abdn.ac.uk.