How can mentoring help you?

As well as the direct benefits of taking part, you can reference your participation in this mentoring programme and what you learnt in applications, personal statements and CVs. Your mentor can help you to write this.

Below are some example situations your mentor can help with, but they may have far more expertise to offer. When you first get to know them, ask them about their skills and areas of knowledge to see what you can gain from being mentored by them.

Developing soft skills such as time management is essential to succeed in the workplace; mentors can share tips and strategies for managing multiple priorities
Speaking to a mentor can help you understand different job roles and what responsibilities they include
If you’re considering further study (such as university), speaking to a mentor can help you to consider what type of further study might be most beneficial for your future career plans and interests
Your mentor can help you with writing / improving your CV or completing a job application - whether for a part time job while you study, or as a post-18 option
Practising interview skills to support you when applying for university, apprenticeships or jobs

You may not yet know what you would like to do when you leave school. In this case your mentor can help you to consider what is important to you, what you enjoy and what you are good at. Together you can use the Aspire resources, hosted on this website, to help narrow down your decision making.

Working with your mentor

Mentees will

Work with mentors to set up timings of mentoring sessions and create a plan for the topics which will be discussed.
Share information about your future goals. These might sometimes be short term goals (e.g. revision plans) or long term goals (e.g. career aspirations).
Share information about your hobbies, interests and values.
If you don’t understand something your mentor has asked you, be open minded and ask them for more information.
Act upon the advice given by your mentor and if there is anything you do not find useful, share this with them politely and respectfully.
Accept that your mentor may have a different perspective to you.
Accept support and encouragement from your mentor.
Provide your own experience to aid discussions.
Seek and act on feedback from your mentor to help you develop your skills.

Mentors will

Encourage mentees where needed to set timings of mentoring sessions and create a plan of the topics which will be discussed.
Give an insight into your own career and education background, including how you have made key decisions.
Share practical tips to support students to reach their goals - for example navigating job applications, making university choices.
Offer advice and guidance.
Support students to expand their understanding, problem solve and show skills.
Encourage reflection, recognising and celebrating effective practice.
Identify areas for development and improvement of self confidence.