What is Group Mentoring?

Group Mentoring is a type of mentoring in which one mentor works with several mentees at once in a group.

Mentoring is a process in which an experienced individual (Mentor) helps another person (Mentee) develop his or her goals and skills through a series of time-limited, confidential, one-on-one conversations and other learning activities.

Mentees are the driving force in Group Mentoring. Each mentee will have their own developmental and learning goals; to help mentees achieve these goals, the mentor will ask questions, share stories, and use other relevant tools and activities to help you.

Mentoring Groups support each other to grow and learn and bring in a variety of perspectives and experiences; it works best for people who learn collaboratively. If you are looking for a more personalised experience you may be better to seek a one-on-one mentor. Discover IDS Alumni Network Matched Mentoring.

What are some of the advantages of Group Mentoring for mentees?

1. Can be less intimidating than one-on-one mentoring sessions
2. Encourages teamwork and improves communications skills
3. Increased learning from shared knowledge, as different perspectives and skillsets can inform the group discussions
4. Develop leadership skills, helping other participants in the group, and learning from your mentor what a good leader looks like and what skills you need to acquire to be one
5. Widens your external networks, with opportunities to develop your professional network as group members gain access via your mentor and peers
6. Creates friendships and fosters community feeling. Sharing your dream career and ambitions as well as concerns helps generate a sense of belonging and mutual understanding

Upcoming IDS Alumni Network Group Mentoring Opportunities

Spring Term 2025 - Group Mentoring with Roy Trivedy.

For six months starting in February 2025 this Mentoring Group will see ten current IDS students meet, learn and share together on the transition from IDS into starting a new job or career -  with the help of an IDS Alumni Network Mentor, Roy Trivedy. 

Hemansu-Roy Trivedy is retired from full-time work. He has been the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste in Scotland since 2024. He is a Trustee for ActionAid UK. He works as a part-time, volunteer mentor for the United Nations and for the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.

He served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste from February 2018-November 2022 and as the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea from December 2013 to December 2017. Prior to that, he worked for the Department for International Development UK for 13 years. He was a Senior Civil Servant and served as Head of Civil Society Department (2009-2013), Team Leader for the UK White Paper (Building our Common Future 2009), Head of DFID Tanzania (2006-2008), Programme Manager Central Asia and the Caucasus (2003-2005) and Conflict Adviser (Africa) 2000-2003. Roy joined DFID after 20 years of working for non-governmental organisations in the UK, Mozambique, India and Malawi. He studied at the Institute of Development Studies (MPhil 1986), University of Sussex and the University of Sheffield.

You can find out more about Roy via his LinkedIn profile, which includes links to his most recent blogs, and see the video below with a message from Roy for those interested in Group Mentoring.

This is not a job hunting group, or a study group, this is collaborative space to help you develop your own career goals and skills through a series of time-limited conversations and other activities.

Participation time is estimated at around four to five hours per month for six months: -

• One 2 hour meeting a month for six months - mentees are expected to attend all meetings.

• 26th February 2025 - first meeting. Exact dates and times of subsequent meetings will be decided by the group. (Please note that Feb, April, and June's meetings will be in person at IDS. Mar, May, and July will be online and you are expected to be at every Group Mentoring meeting).

• Approx. 3-4 hours per month for six months of thinking about your future career and preparation for the next meeting

Applications

The deadline for applying for Group Mentoring is 19th January 2025 23:59 GMT.  

If you would like to be considered for this round of Group Mentoring, please complete this short form and submit it by 19th January 2025 (the form will close at 23:59 GMT). Successful candidates will be shortlisted from all applicants based on their answers on the application form.  Please note that if you are currently enrolled in our Matched Mentoring Programme, you cannot apply to be part of Group Mentoring. The IDS Alumni Relations Office administrates Group Mentoring and will inform successful applicants by Monday 27th January 2025. Applications will be reviewed with input from the Mentor.

The form asks why you are interested in being part of this Group and to briefly outline what qualities and skills you will bring to this Group. See below for more help on completing the form. 

The information on the application form is held by the Institute of Development Studies in line with our Privacy Policy. 

For extra help you can email the Alumni Relations Office to discuss your application before you apply.

Tips for completing your application form for Group Mentoring.

Think about what makes a successful mentoring relationship

Group Mentoring is very close to traditional one-on-one mentoring in that the mentee is still driving the relationship. Although each mentee has their own developmental and learning goals, which may be different to other mentees in the Group.

For your application we recommend you think about would make you an effective mentee and how this can be transferred to this Group Mentoring opportunity.

Examples of characteristics of an effective mentee in a group setting:

• Honest
• Proactive
• Willing to learn
• Focussed on personal development
• Comfortable being challenged
• Flexible and open-minded 
• Willing to move out of their 'comfort zone'
• Confidence to ask for advice and share concerns
• Professionalism
• Reflects on experience
• Willing to share experiences, perspectives and skills with others
• Learn well in a collaborative space

Mentoring is a two way process and relationship. Mentors will be willing to share knowledge but may not have all the answers. It's crucial to be prepared for all interactions, as your mentor will have a lot to share but it is up to mentees to ask effective questions to gain these answers and to share your own perspectives and experiences to support others in the group to grow and learn.

How to identify your skills and areas of support

Mentees should have an idea on what they hope to gain from Group Mentoring towards their future career. This does not have to be a definitive plan! It is just an indication of the types of skills and strengths you hope to use in your career.

Some suggested questions to work on over 6-months include:

• How can I make the most of work experience on my CV
• How can I find approach potential employers in my desired field
• How can I build the confidence to start networking
• How can I decide what sort of work I want to do

Ask yourself why you want to take part 

We are looking for students who are committed to making the most out of this unique opportunity. 

Think about how you intend to use the experience of Group Mentoring to move your career and professional development forward. Mentoring is a long term process, it involves reflecting on your experiences, listening, and then giving practical advice / putting the advice into practice.

You should try to be specific in what areas you are keen to have help from the Group and Mentor on and try to focus on job areas instead of broad sectors. 

Check it again

Make sure you check your application thoroughly and think about the following:

• Does it read well?
• Have you checked your answers?
• Check grammar and spelling to ensure you are creating the most positive impression and demonstrate that you have paid attention to detail.

Mentees Application Form for Group Mentoring with Roy closes 19th January 2025.