How to Apply

Alumni who are interested in being mentors in the Matched Mentoring scheme should complete this short form. 

The Matched Mentoring Programme runs twice a year, usually around October and February. We will email all eligible alumni when applications are open.

***Form open until 21st February 2025***

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. 

Please note that we cannot guarantee that everyone will be matched with a Mentee. However, we welcome you to keep applying for future rounds.

The form will ask the following: 

a) What do 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;

b) Who is your ideal mentee? 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 Mentoring Application

1. Think about makes a successful mentoring relationship

The mentee drives the mentoring relationship, which allows them make the most of mentoring. Mentees are usually looking for guidance with managing professional relationships, gaining sector knowledge, and insights into sourcing work opportunities. Each Mentee will have individual goals for their learning and career development.

Consider what makes you an effective mentor, and how this can be transferred to this programme. Also consider 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

A successful mentoring relationship is a two-way process. Mentors should be ready to share knowledge and experiences. However, mentees cannot expect their Mentor to have all the answers. As the driving force, it is up to mentees to ask effective questions that respond to their individual learning goals. Mentors should be well prepared for interactions with their Mentee.

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

2. How to identify your skills and areas of support

Mentees should have an idea of what they are seeking to gain from mentoring. Typical questions mentees have include:

• How can I make the most of my work experience on my CV? 
• How can I find and 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?

Mentees will share their goals with their Mentor. This then allows the Mentor to consider how they approach potential 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

We are seeking alumni mentors, who are committed to making the most out of this unique opportunity. Consider how you intend to use mentoring experience for your professional development. Mentoring is a long-term process, which involves reflection, listening, and practical advice. Reflect on what you wish to gain from mentoring, as well as what you wish to pass on to a Mentee. We ask you to provide as much detail as possible in your application, to ensure the most suitable match.

4. Check it again

Make sure you check your form thoroughly before submitting.

Additional support for your application

The Alumni Relations Office are happy to provide additional support for your application. Please contact us at alumni@ids.ac.uk.

Other useful links

Discover Matched Mentoring

Mentees Application Form

Matched Mentoring: A Guide for those who are matched

What is mentoring?

Mentors Application Form