In May of his final year James, studying Economics with International Study applied to the Career Mentor Scheme and was matched with a Management Consultant at IHM Associates Ltd.

This mentor studied Economics and Economics History at Exeter. Some of his previous employers include Union Bank of Switzerland, PwC, WJ Calder Sons & Co and Sutton Valence School.

Through the scheme James achieved all his objectives, such as obtaining job hunting resources in the sector and obtaining help with application forms. He told us more details about his experience.

Were there any other objectives you achieved?

Gaining  knowledge on a specific programme – The Mountbatten Institute and assessing whether it was suitable for me.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

It was very useful to have somebody to talk to and bounce ideas off, somebody who knows the industry standards and workings. I particularly liked the critical side and the fact that my mentor would challenge me and was happy to say if he disagreed with my ideas. This was very useful!

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

Apply! Whether you’re looking for answers to specific questions or just somebody to chat to because you’re totally lost like I was, it’s a great scheme and well worth the small amount of time it takes to apply.

The highlight for his mentor was:

“…meeting someone different. Not just a new person but a student who had already graduated, so the focus was really on his employability and getting him in front of potential employees.”