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News & Blog > Mentoring & Advice > Discover Matched Mentoring

Discover Matched Mentoring

Discover more about the Matched Mentoring scheme including what support we offer to our mentors and mentees.

Mentee Application form | Mentor Application form 


What is Matched Mentoring?

IDS Matched Mentoring is designed to connect students and recent graduates with alumni who can support with career development and personal growth.

In the Matched Mentoring programme, mentees have a chance to develop skills, gain sector knowledge, and build their professional networks. Mentors in turn get a rewarding experience, helping to shape the future leaders of global development. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact the IDS Alumni Office: alumni@ids.ac.uk.


FAQ

How can I apply?

Mentee Application form | Mentor Application form

Matched Mentoring applications open every autumn term, usually in October. The new round will be advertised to students and alumni via email, and on the IDS Alumni Network website. The information on the application form is kept confidential and is held only by the Institute of Development Studies in line with our Privacy Policy. Kindly note, the forms are currently closed.

Mentee application guidance

1. Show your commitment 

Mentoring is a long-term process, including lots of self-reflection and active participation. It is driven by the goals and needs of the mentee. In your application, describe your goals and what you hope to gain from mentoring, and how you intend to make the most of mentoring. 

A successful mentoring relationship is built on trust, commitment, and communication. Consider what characteristics you can bring, to ensure a successful mentoring relationship, and how you can transfer these to the programme.  

2. Identify your skills, goals, and areas of support 

Mentees should have an idea on what they are seeking from mentoring, in terms of skills or career development. It is good to come prepared with learning and career goals, and to clearly outline these in your application.  

3. Provide enough details 

In order to be matched with the most suitable mentor, we ask you to provide as much detail as possible in your application. Having details about your career, specific learning and career goals, or personal experiences, will help us identify a more suitable mentor.  

4. Check your application 

Make sure you check your application thoroughly; make sure it reads well, and that your answers are detailed. Check grammar and spelling to ensure you are creating a positive impression and demonstrate attention to detail. 

Mentor application guidance

1. Show your commitment

Mentoring is a long-term process, including lots of reflection and active participation. It is driven by the goals and needs of the mentee, and is built on trust, commitment, and communication. Consider what characteristics you can bring, to create a supportive environment, and ensure a successful mentoring relationship.

2. Identify your skills, goals, and areas of support

Consider what areas you might be able to support in, whether that be industry knowledge, skills development, goal setting, or something else. You should be prepared to share your knowledge and experiences, whilst working with the mentee to ensure discussions align with the type of support they are seeking.

3. Provide enough detail

In order to be matched with the most suitable mentee, we ask you to provide as much detail as possible in your application. Having details about your career, particular skills, or personal experiences, will help us identify the most suitable match.

 

What kind of commitment is required?

  • The duration of the programme is 6 months. We ask pairs to meet for at least once each month. There is no schedule to follow; meetings can be organised whenever suits you best.  
  • Participants are invited to attend an introductory workshop ahead of their first meeting. This is designed to help you make the most of mentoring. 

 

What are the benefits of having a mentor? 

  • Access to advice and industry/sector knowledge from an experienced professional 
  • Developing new skills and reflecting on strengths and weaknesses 
  • Shaping personal and professional goals, and ways to achieve them 
  • Building professional networks 
  • Guidance with career direction 

 

What are the benefits of being a mentor? 

  • Gain a new perspective and ideas from a recent IDS graduate or student 
  • Rewarding experience of helping an IDS alum or student in their professional development, shaping the future leaders of global development 
  • An opportunity to build your leadership, communication, and mentoring skills

 

How will mentors and mentees be paired together? 

  • The matching process is carried out by the IDS Alumni Relations Office with support of a mentoring specialist.
  • Mentors and mentees as matched closely as possible based on the mentee's goals, shared interests, and professional backgrounds. We also consider practical factors such as time zones, to ensure a good fit.
  • Please note that there are limited spaces in the programme, and we may not be able to match everyone. 

 

What support will I receive? 

  • An introductory workshop at the start of the programme 
  • Monthly check-ins from the Alumni Office 
  • Access to a mentee/mentor group for peer support 
  • A comprehensive guide to the programme 
  • For mentors: The Alumni Office hosts occasional Mentoring Skills Workshops throughout the year. Details will be sent out to Alumni Mentors via email.   
  • The Alumni Office (alumni@ids.ac.uk) is available to respond to any questions or concerns throughout the programme 

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