Category Archives: Defence and Public Protection

Grace, Defence and Public Protection

Defence and Public Protection, law

Grace, Law student, was interested in a career with the Civil Service and so applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to learn more about life with a Government employer. Through the scheme, Grace was matched with a Civil Servant for the Ministry of Defence. This mentor is responsible for running government policy on engaging with international companies in defence.

“Learn about how the real world works in your desired sector”

Grace achieved all of her objectives including develop application techniques, increase knowledge of sector entry requirements and increase knowledge of effective interview techniques.

Grace told us more about her experience:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

I feel a highlight of this scheme was being able to speak to my mentor before completing certain elements of an application form to receive the best hands-on advice.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

I found the insight into the profession most useful. I learnt about the good and bad elements of the sector and have been encouraged to continue pursuing a career in the public sector.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Do it! It is refreshing to speak to someone outside of the university and learn about how the real world works in your desired sector!

Joel, Defence and Public Protection

Defence and Public Protection, Politics and International Relations, , ,

Joel was interested in a career in Defence and Public Protection and wanted to get an insight into the profession. He therefore applied to be mentored by a Civil Servant at the Ministry of Defence. Working at the Ministry of Defences since 2003, at the time of their partnership this mentor’s main responsibilities related to project management, ministerial and parliamentary business and International Relations.

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Joel had set a number of ambitious objectives at the beginning of the scheme and managed to achieve all of them, including gaining work experience and developing his interview techniques.

What was the highlight of the scheme for you?

Going to the Ministry of Defence in Bristol for work experience was very enlightening.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Work experience, networking and understanding what it takes to get the job that I want and other non-academic skills I would need.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Use every opportunity you get to learn, from their mistakes and successes.

Christopher, Defence and Public Protection

Defence and Public Protection, economics, Politics and International Relations, , , ,

While in his final year of doing Economics and Politics, Christopher applied for the Career Mentor Scheme and was matched with a Defence & Public Protection mentor who was an Army Officer at HM Forces.

An Exeter graduate, this mentor’s previous employment includes being Company Commander commanding 100 infantry soldiers specialising in dismounted close combat.  He was also involved in contingency security planning and response for London 2012 Olympics including working with Special Forces, Met Police and civilian organisations. His other military experience has been broad, he has worked closely with senior officers, deployed on operations around the world, been responsible for HR in a major unit and have been a key planner for operations in Afghanistan.

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Christopher shared with us he had an outstanding experience being mentored. He achieved every single objectives which they had set at the beginning of their partnership.

What was the highlight of the scheme for you?

Getting to speak to my mentor’s contacts, and [having] his support and encouragement.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Absolutely excellent scheme – couldn’t be more useful. The opportunity to be personally mentored by incredibly accomplished people – even from a different field from your own – is invaluable.

The highlight for the mentor was the Meet Your Mentor Event and the focused preparation for a job interview him and Christopher did.