Do you want to inspire others by sharing your professional knowledge and expertise? Our Professional Insights Scheme offers students and graduates the opportunity to engage with a professional to gain career insights into a specific industry, sector or job role that interests them.
The scheme aims to enhance the employability of our students and graduates, as well as help them to build a professional network by providing access to experience, knowledge and expertise from a relevant professional.
We are excited to share that we have partnered with Vygo to provide a new platform for our mentoring. Vygo lets students and professionals chat casually and arrange sessions and appointments in a safe and easy space. You are able to see what students' interests are and how you could support them. So if you are interested in mentoring its a great way to get in touch with our students.
Vygo also offers mentoring training through Mentor Academy.
Why become a professional?
The scheme provides an opportunity for both the professional and participant to enhance their development in key competencies such as leadership and communication. If you’re looking to recruit, this is also a chance to talent spot and identify future candidates that are the right fit for your organisation.
How does the Professional Insights Scheme work?
We all have busy schedules and that is why we have made the scheme extremely flexible. We offer a range of ways in which a professional can engage with a student or graduate, including:
- Casual text-based chat: Students can ask you questions via Vygo that you can answer at your own pace and time.
- One-to-one mentoring meetings: an opportunity to share insider knowledge about your industry, sector or job role. You will meet with a mentee for up to 3 sessions lasting around an hour each time. This session can be arranged via Vygo's request a session functionality
- Industry Insights: Group sessions in Vygo to a number of students where you can talk about your knowledge, career and experiences. Great for reaching a large number of students in 1 event!
- Recruitment Process Practice: Speak to students about your recruitment processes for your specific industry by providing advice on how to find relevant jobs/opportunities, how to prepare for them, practice interview skills and provide feedback. This can be done in chat or via video sessions with students.
We are looking to recruit professionals from all different industries and occupations that are keen to help students and graduates launch their careers.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss mentoring further, reach out to us at: ProfessionalInsights@sunderland.ac.uk
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