Maya, Business and Management student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to gain a better understanding of the consulting and management sector and the job opportunities available. Through the scheme, Maya was matched with a mentor with a PhD in Agriculture, BSc in Horticulture and Diploma in Management and Leadership, who is now a Management and Leadership Consultant at S Barrett Consulting.

Maya tells us more about her experience below:

What objectives did you achieve?

Maya achieved all of her objectives including:

• Increased knowledge of finding internships and work experience in this sector
• Received help to improve CV
• Increased knowledge of good and bad aspects of the profession

Maya also had a personal objective of networking with a professional in the sector she is interested in and gain insight to her mentor’s career.

What were your highlights of the scheme?

Meeting with an established professional was invaluable to learn directly first-hand about their job, including from an employer and employee as my mentor is now self-employed. The insight into my chosen sector was the most useful part of my mentoring experience.

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

It’s such a good opportunity that professionals are volunteering their time to help you. I’ve found it so useful to be able to talk to a professional in a more informal/casual setting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance I’ve received.