Tag Archives: Government

Kirby, Politics and Government

History, Politics and Government, Politics and International Relations, , ,

Kirby, a History student, applied for the Career Mentor Scheme after considering a few different career paths such as law, politics and working in the Foreign Office. Through the scheme, Kirby was matched with a Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West in the House of Commons. This mentor wanted to share his experience of the profession and provide some advice and guidance through the scheme.

“It helped me to narrow down my areas of interest, as well as providing great networking opportunities and contacts in the industry”

Kirby met all of her objectives, including being able to narrow down areas she was considering for graduate employment, increased knowledge of effective application forms in this sector and improved personal development skills.

Kirby shared her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

  • Gaining a full tour of the Houses of Parliament
  • Understanding better the relationship between the government and NGOs/the media
  • Forming professional relationships with people at different levels of government

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

  • Networking
  • Confirming for me that I would like to work in a political organisation rather than political party

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

The scheme is as useful as you want it to be – if you are dedicated to regularly contacting your mentor and have a clear idea of what you wish to gain from the scheme it can be incredibly rewarding. As someone who was unsure of what they wanted to do after University, this scheme was useful to me as it helped me to narrow down my areas of interest, as well as providing great networking opportunities and contacts in the industry.

Gabrielle, Politics and Government

Politics and Government, Psychology, , , ,

Gabrielle participated in the Career Mentor Scheme during her first year. Interested in politics and government she was matched with the Head of Corporate Services at Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Community Rehabilitation Company. This mentor’s main responsibilities included corporate services and business development for the CRC, acting as an Executive Board Member and was Secretary to the Board. He was a member of the Parole Board in England and Wales at the time and had previous experience as a probation officer.

PP Gabrielle

Having met in person multiple times, Gabrielle felt her objectives for the scheme had been met. She was able to improve her personal skills, gain professional experience and an insight into both the good and bad aspects of the profession. She shared some of the ways the scheme was beneficial to her:

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Being able to get an insight into the different range of professions I can do with my degree and having the opportunity to network with professionals and gain an understanding of how they chose their own career pathways.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Insight into my chosen profession.

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

The Career Mentor Scheme allows students to gain insight and practical understanding of what they can do after their degree. It can either reinforce your notion of a particular job or completely change your views. It is definitely a worthwhile programme, and I would strongly recommend it.

Isobel, Politics and Government

Politics and Government, Politics and International Relations,

History and International Relations student Isobel was matched with an Administrator of Région Haute-normandie, France.

This mentor is an Exeter alumnus, who has worked at various organisations and positions in his career. Between 1997 and 1999 he was an Administrator at the European Parliament. He then moved on to be an Economist at the Office for National Statistics before starting at his position as an Administrator of  Région Haute-normandie.

Isobel achieved all objectives she had set at the beginning of the scheme. She received help with cover letters and application forms, improved her confidence to seek graduate jobs and developed her professional contacts.

Izzy Uni card photo_compressed

Were there any other objectives you achieved?

To gain work experience and a greater insight into this field of work.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Having a professional opinion for some of the choices I am having to make- Masters Programmes etc.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Having a contact with professional and well regarded CVs to reference and get to know.

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

It is a great opportunity to have an in-depth insight into the professional line of work.