Apply to be a mentor

Apply to be a mentee

What is Matched Mentoring?

Matched Mentoring involves one-on-one mentoring; this is a traditional model of mentoring where one mentor and one mentee agree to enter into a relationship to help the mentee develop, improve and achieve their goals. Typically, the mentor has more experience in an area that the mentee is interested in, and can act as an advisor and guide. Mentors also typically can advise in areas such as career direction or leadership development. 

While the focus is on the mentee, mentoring is also beneficial for the mentor. Mentors can develop leadership skills, learn new perspectives and ideas from their mentee, and feel a sense of satisfaction at supporting a student or recent graduate of IDS to help shape the future leaders of global development.

Matched Mentoring is one of our three schemes within the IDS Alumni Network Mentoring & Advice Programme.

The matching process

The matching process is carried out by the IDS Alumni Relations Office with support of a mentoring specialist.

We aim to match twice per annum, in October and February. 

When the Alumni Relations Office has identified possible matches, they will contact prospective Mentees and Mentors to connect them to one another. Please note that we may not be able to match everyone with a mentor.

The information on the form is kept confidential and is held only by the Institute of Development Studies in line with our Privacy Policy. 

Applying to be part of Matched Mentoring

Mentors need only apply once to be part of our pool for Matched Mentoring. We will ask you ahead of next round of Matching whether you wish to be included as a possible Mentor and if you would like to make any changes to your details. Practical details including deadlines, link to the form, and tips on what to include. 

Mentees must apply for each round of Matched Mentoring they wish to be considered for. Practical details for mentees, including deadlines, links to the form, and tips on completing your application.

Support for Matched Mentoring

Successfully matched mentors and mentees must attend a workshop ahead of their first meeting. This is designed to help you make the most of your mentoring relationship.

Mentors will also be invited to join our biannual Mentoring Skills workshops. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques, as well as a space to discuss individual mentoring relationship challenges and successes. They usually take place in February and May and will be available for registration on our events page.

In-depth guide for Matched Mentoring, for both mentors and mentees. Includes links to useful resources. 

Group for Mentors, all Mentors have access to this Group, where you will find exclusive resources, helpful articles and a disussion forum. 

The Alumni Relations Office is available at anytime for help and support. Where we think it relevent, we can also involve our mentoring specialist. You can contact us via email at alumni@ids.ac.uk.

Useful links

Matched Mentoring: Guide for Mentee Applicants

Matched Mentoring: Guide for Mentor Applicants

Matched Mentoring: Guide for Mentoring Relationship