University call for guiding lights
Released: Tuesday 2nd October 2012 at 10:31
INSPIRING individuals who have carved out a successful career are invited to offer their experiences to students hoping to kick-start their own paths to professional work.
Following a successful pilot scheme last year, the University of Sunderland is once again rolling out its Professional Mentoring Scheme this month (October).
The scheme draws upon the goodwill of employers and employees to improve students’ knowledge of the world of work by helping to prepare them for life beyond their time at university. Students (mentees) involved are matched by career interest with employers or employees (mentors) from a range of public and private sector organisations across Sunderland.
The pilot scheme saw the University signing up to 62 mentors, which proved so successful that this year it was decided to widen the opportunity to many more students, seeking up to 100 individuals from diverse job roles to register as mentors, as well as university staff.
During three one-hour sessions spread over the course of an academic year, students will hear from those who have gained extensive experience in the world of work.
Louise Dixon, Professional Mentoring Scheme Manager, said: “These sessions will benefit our students greatly. Hopefully the experience will motivate them to take a proactive approach to their own employability by taking ownership of their career planning.
“The scheme starts to roll out next month so ideally we are looking is to recruit 100 mentors, but anymore would be even better! Already we’ve had interest from at least 70 per cent of those who took part last year. The feedback from them and the students has been tremendous.”
Upon registering, mentors will be provided with dates of forthcoming mentoring induction sessions. These sessions have been carefully planned to ensure that mentors fully understand what to expect from their involvement and provide an excellent opportunity for networking with other mentors.
The participating students will also be put through an induction to ensure that they understand the process to ensure that the forthcoming mentoring sessions are productive.
Louise added: “The students who engage with the Professional Mentoring Scheme could potentially be future employees for those they’re matched in the scheme with.
“It is vital that they understand the attributes required by employers if they are to make a positive contribution to the regional economic base.”
The Professional Mentoring Scheme is voluntary, and in return for signing up, the mentor or their organisation will feature as a supporter (logo) on the University’s website, including a direct link to their own website.
To register, log on to: Professional Mentoring Scheme Registration Form
For more information log on to: Professional Mentoring Scheme website or e-mail standout@sunderland.ac.uk