Alumni who are interested in being mentors as part of this administrator matched mentoring scheme should complete our form. 

Please note that we open the form twice a year ahead of matching, this is usually around September and January. We email all eligible alumni to let them know that the form is open and also promote it on our social media channels.

***Form open until 5 October 2023***

Completing this form lets us know that you are interested in being matched for a 6-month mentoring relationship and we will add you to our pool of potential Mentors for the next available matching date. 

If you are not matched in the next available matching round it may just be because we had no-one suitable to match you with, in which case we will let you know immediately after matching and then closer to the next matching date we will ask if you wish to be included in the pool of poential mentors for that round, with an option of updating your details if you feel the need to. If we feel that we were unable to match you because we did not have enough information we will ask you to complete the form again with some tips on what to include.

The main two questions that the form asks are: - 

a) what you feel you can offer as a mentor? You may wish to include elements of your career history, qualifications, barriers you have faced and anything else you feel is relevant - and

b) who your ideal mentee is? Are there potential mentees you feel particuarly well placed to motivate or mentor? The more information you can provide us with the more likely we are to be able to match you well.

Tips for a great matched mentors 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. Mentees on this scheme will have be looking for mentors who can provide them with 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 mentor 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 mentor:

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

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

Mentoring is a two way process and relationship. As a mentors you need to be willing to share knowledge but mentees cannot expect you to have all the answers. It's crucial to be prepared for interactions, as a mentors you'll 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 want to work on with their mentor towards their future career, although we don't ask them to have a definitive plan in their form we do ask them for an indication of the types of skills and strengths they hope to use in their career. For example, how can make the most of my 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?

We like our mentees to have some idea on the area, roles and opportunities they hope to pursue, because then our mentors can start to think about how they 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 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.

Finally, please provide as much information as possible to enable us to match you with the best possible person.

4. Check it again

Make sure you check your form thoroughly before submitting.

Additional support for your application

Book time with the alumni relations office to discuss joining the Matched Mentoring scheme.

Other useful links

Discover Matched Mentoring

Mentees Application Form Tips

Matched Mentoring: A Guide for those who are matched

What is mentoring?

Mentors Application Form