Tag Archives: Bioscience

Sarah, Charity and Development Work

Biosciences, Charity and Development Work, ,

Sarah, an Animal Behaviour student, was interested in a career in the Charitable Sector after volunteering for multiple charitable organisations. She wanted to learn more about the specific fields that are available in her specialism. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Sarah was matched with the Volunteering Development Manager for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland. This mentor also has a Managing Voluntary and Community Organisations foundation degree and vast employment history in this sector.

“For as little as one skype session per month you learn so much about life outside university!”

Sarah achieved all of her objectives including increased confidence and knowledge into this sector, increased knowledge of good and bad aspects of the profession and received help to improve her CV.

Sarah shared her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

I have really enjoyed being part of the career mentor scheme. My overall highlight was the opportunity to connect with someone who was knowledgeable about the sector I am interested in. Through this I now feel a lot more confident in my ability to find and apply for a job.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

An insight into what employers look for in an application form. I have gained tips on how to clearly put my skills forward. Through this I now feel more confident when applying for jobs.

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

Definitely go for it! The great thing about this scheme is that it fits around your timetable. For as little as one skype session per month you learn so much about life outside university! I have gained so much from the scheme, and would encourage anyone to participate.

Alice, Media, Publishing and Journalism

Biosciences, Media Publishing and Journalism, ,

Alice, a Biological Sciences student, knew that she wanted to pursue a career with the BBC and so applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to improve her applications and learn more about working there. Through the scheme, Alice was paired with the Assistant Editor for BBC Radio Cornwall. Her responsibilities include the day to day running of the BBC Radio Cornwall, overseeing staffing and campaigns, and programming.

“This is an opportunity not to be missed”

Alice achieved all of her objectives including received advice on application forms for work experience, increased knowledge of sector entry requirements and received work experience within the media sector.

Alice talked about her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Receiving feedback on my CV face to face was invaluable. The advice was directed towards the work experience I was trying to gain from somebody who knew what the application process was like.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

CV advice and job shadowing

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

Do it! If you know what you want to achieve (i.e. job or work experience) and there is a mentor that suits you then this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Angela, Agriculture, Farming and Animal Care

Agriculture Farming and Animal Care, Biosciences, , , , ,

Angela, who is studying for a MSc in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture student, was interested in a career in the private sector that involved raising global and local good security issues to attention. She also wanted to learn about the Fertiliser industry. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Angela was matched with the Director of Ammonia Services for Fertecon Ltd, part of Informa PLC. This mentor has also worked as a Shareholder and Director for the same company which specialises in providing information and analysis around the Fertiliser industry.

“I pitched a report to one of the oldest newspapers in England and got a contract as a consultant”

Angela achieved all of her objectives including obtaining a paid job or internship with the help of her mentor, improve her personal develop skills and increasing her knowledge of effective interview techniques.

Angela talked about her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

There are so many!

  • I learned about the fertilising publishing industry in great detail.
  • I applied to many internship positions.
  • I pitched a report to one of the oldest newspapers in England and got a contract as a consultant!
  • All this would not have been possible without my wonderful mentor Vivien Bright.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

The industry connections provided by mentor.

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

Do it! There is nothing better for your self-esteem and career than personalised advice from someone who has worked many years in the field that you are interested to break into.