Important Dates

The Alumni Relations Office usually matches twice per year in October and February. We will let everyone know by email and on our social media channels when the form is open. 

***Form open until 15 October 2024***

Application Form Questions

Alumni or students who wish to apply to be a mentee (matched with a mentor) should complete a Mentee Application Form (see above for deadlines). Mentees need to complete a form each time they wish to be considered for matching.

Remember that Matched Mentoring is for those willing to enter into a long-term mentoring relationship (6 months or more). If you're looking for something quicker and less structured please take a look at Ask-An-Alum, our online tool for those who want quick advice and information from the alumni network. 

The forms asks:

a) What sort of support do you hope to get from a mentor? You should think about career issues you might want to work on and any barriers you might face in achieving your goals - and

b) Who ideal mentor is? Are there any specific areas of demographic, cultural or organisational fit that are important to you?

Tips for a great application form

1. Think about makes a successful mentoring relationship

The mentee drives the mentoring relationship, which allows them to steer this in the direction that suits them. Mentors have volunteered their time to support students and recent graduates, in addition to their current job, so it's important to utilise their time (and yours) most effectively. 

Mentees on this scheme will have the opportunity to gain skills on managing a professional relationship, managing time and ensuring they achieve what they set out to do initially. This could be in terms of confidence, sector knowledge and insight into sourcing and being successful with work experience opportunities.

Consider what makes an effective mentee and how this can be transferred to this mentoring programme.

In order to achieve this you need to understand the different perspectives of a mentoring relationship:

Examples of characteristics of an effective mentee:

• 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

Examples of characteristics of an effective mentor:

• Supportive
• Encouraging 
• Motivating 
• Empowering
• Knowledgeable
• Active listener
• Good communicator
• Offers advice
• Challenges the mentee

Mentoring is a two way process and relationship. Mentors will be willing to share knowledge but mentors may not have all the answers. It's crucial to be prepared for all interactions, as mentors will have a lot to share but it is up to mentees to ask effective questions to gain these answers.

To develop a successful mentoring partnership, the relationship needs key attributes from both the mentor and mentee:

• Trust and respect
• Commitment
• Ongoing and effective communication
• A successful mentoring relationship is a process of two-way learning that is ‘student/graduate-centred’ and steered by the mentee.

2. How to identify your skills and areas of support

Mentees should have an idea on what they hope to gain from a mentor 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 with a mentor 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

If mentees have some idea on the area, roles and opportunities you hope to pursue, then start to think about how you would define these areas of support. 

Possible areas of support from a mentor are:

• Industry / sector knowledge
• Enhancing skills and behaviours for recruitment processes
• Building professional relationships
• Career choice and direction
• Goal setting 

3. Ask yourself why

Throughout the mentoring journey, we will be looking for alumni and students who are committed to making the most out of this unique opportunity. 

Think about how you intend to use the experience of 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.

Mentees should try to be specific in what areas you are keen to have a mentor from and try to focus on job areas instead of broad sectors. 

Finally, please provide as much information as possible to make it clear what you hope to achieve and to enable us to match you with the best possible person.

4. 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.

Additional support for your application

Book time with the alumni relations office to discuss your application before you apply

Other useful links

Discover Matched Mentoring

What is mentoring?

Application form