The Career Mentoring programme was launched in 2014, aiming to allow students to explore opportunities in the world of work, network with professionals in their field of interest, and gain insights from alumni who were once in their place. The programme runs every semester and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across all faculties, providing them with unique insights into different industries, and is an excellent volunteering experience for our dedicated alumni mentors.
Over the past 10 years, the programme received 6,140 student applications and has resulted in 4,380 student-alumni mentoring partnerships. In 2018, we introduced the annual Mentee and Mentor of the Year Awards, recognising and celebrating the positive contributions made to our students’ career journeys and in strengthening our student-alumni community, and prompting 515 award nominations to date.
I signed up to the Mentoring scheme because I was at a bit of a crossroads trying to decide what career path I wanted to go down. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the scheme, and I just signed up to it thinking it would be helpful and that I didn’t have anything to lose. Honestly, it went beyond my expectations in so many ways. I was matched with a mentor who I could really relate to, and I felt I could ask her anything. Her advice throughout was invaluable. I think the great thing about this scheme is that you can make it into whatever you want it to be.
I finished the scheme feeling so much more confident and with a lot of practical advice regarding applications for jobs, choosing a career path, CV writing and much more!
Beth Martin, 2024 Mentee of the Year
BA English Language and Literature
It's such a great opportunity for staff and students alike. Having been on both 'sides' of it, as a mentee and now as a mentor, I am so thankful for the confidence and development it has given me in my life thus far. It's also led by such dedicated and wonderful staff, who I'm sure don't get half the recognition they should get. If it weren't for the team at University of Sheffield running and promoting the programme each year it simply wouldn't go ahead, and so many personal and professional opportunities would not be delivered as they are thanks to the programme. I hope to see the programme continue for many years ahead!
Grace Dodson, Director of Member Engagement & Programmes at the China-Britain Business Council
BA East Asian Studies 2005
The Career Mentoring programme makes a hugely valuable contribution, supporting the University’s commitment to ensuring the highest quality employability support and opportunities for our students. Access to mentoring helps to develop students’ confidence and career awareness, and positively contributes to their career planning and eventual outcomes as graduates. Every year our students tell us how impactful their mentoring experiences have been and we are extremely grateful to our dedicated alumni mentors who make it all possible.
Helen Smith, Associate Director of Student & Academic Services - Careers & Employability
The Spring scheme will soon open for new mentor applications. Find out more about it and discover how you could get involved and make a positive difference to the Sheffield student community.