All posts by pac217

James, Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations

Geography, Logistics Supply Chain and Operations, , , , ,

James, a Geography student, was interested in a career in logistics and transport but was keen to build up a network of a variety of related industries such as Science and Aviation before pursuing one career path. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, James was matched with the Deputy Director of High Performance Computing Programme at the Met Office. He has a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Operational Research. This mentor works with super computers, ensuring funding delivers the given socio-economic benefit target.

“1 on 1 conversations about many aspects of finding a career”

James achieved many of his objectives including an understanding of how to deal with tests that you often undergo when starting a new job, widened contacts and networking opportunities and received help to improve his CV.

James shared his experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Having 1 on 1 conversations with my mentor about many aspects of finding a career and personal development.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Insight into professions and networking opportunities

Huijian, Education, Training and Research

Education Teaching and Research, Modern Languages, , ,

Huijian, a TESEOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) student, was interested in a career in teaching and wanted help to improve her English teaching skills and classroom management. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Huijian was matched with a retired Head teacher with employment history as a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for the Yellow Pages and Education Manager at Young Offenders Institute. This mentor has a Certificate in Education and a National Professional Qualification for Headship.

“I got the job I want in China by the end of this scheme”

Huijian was able achieve all of her objectives including improving her professional skills, such as designing a lesson, classroom management and was able to observe a lesson given by her mentor.

Huijian shared her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

The knowledge and experience I gained from the scheme was helpful in my job application. I got the job I want in China by the end of this scheme.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

More confidence and understanding the commitment of being a teacher.

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

The scheme will be a great help to your career if you are willing to take advice and use them.

Hannah, Financial Markets and the City

Financial Markets and the City, Geography, Politics and International Relations, , , , ,

Hannah, a Politics with Geography student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to gain advice and learn about good and bad experiences in order to help her make an informed decision about a future career in the Finance sector. Through the scheme, Hannah was matched with the Executive Director for MSCI Inc. His role involves looking after the pension funds and insurers for German-speaking Europe, and he has past experience in credit, performance measurements for investment portfolios and sales of asset management.

“An excellent opportunity”

Hannah achieved all of her objectives including increased knowledge of effective application forms and interview techniques in this sector, and improved personal development skills.

Hannah talked about her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Having someone there to check over my application answers and help with interviews

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Talking to a professional who is not related to me, as David had an unbiased opinion which was useful.

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

An excellent opportunity to meet someone new and have a guide who can help during this uncertain time (in final year) when we need to decide what to do next.

Grace, Theatre and Performing Arts

English, Theatre and Performing Arts, , ,

Grace, an English Literature student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to gain an understanding of the auditioning process, increase her knowledge of the industry and receive guidance on how to improve her overall skillset. Through the scheme, Grace was matched with a Freelance Actor who has experience as a producer and actor. He has a vast portfolio of theatre work including multiple roles for the Cambridge Shakespeare Company, touring nationally with Ape Theatre and an award winning production by Illyria Theatre Company.

“The opportunity to discuss my future with someone”

Grace achieved all of her objectives, including receiving advice for applying to drama school as this is a very difficult and complicated process, ways to keep working when acting jobs are not always available, and increased knowledge in finding internships and work experience in this sector.

Grace her shared some of her experiences with us;

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Meeting with my mentor

What did you find most useful form the mentoring experience?

The opportunity to discuss my future with someone who had followed a similar path to the one I am now attempting to go down.

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

To do it, as any advice and guidance you can receive is helpful!

Gracie, Human Resources, Recruitment and Training

Business and Management, economics, Human Resources Recruitment and Training, , , , ,

Gracie, a Business Economics student, was interested in a variety of careers in the commercial sector and wanted to use the Career Mentor Scheme to help make a decision about her future career choice. Through the scheme, Gracie was matched with a HR Consultant for Aible with qualifications including BA Geography, MSc Human Resource Management and a Certificate in Business Strategy. Her role includes providing outsourced HR support to businesses.

“Do not be afraid to ask them anything.”

Gracie achieved all of her objectives including receiving academic help, received help to improve her CV and widening her professional network within the sector.

Gracie shared her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Speaking to a professional in an industry I am interested in, understanding what my mentor perceives to be the good and bad aspects of their job. Also hearing about how they came into the position they are currently in, and realising their career path did not progress perfectly.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Extremely helpful in the application and interview stages for my industrial placement.

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

Make the most of the opportunity and do not be afraid to ask them anything.

Hannah, Libraries and Heritage

History, Libraries and Heritage, , , ,

Hannah, a History student, was interested in pursuing a career with the National Trust after writing her dissertation around their property and volunteering with one of their properties in Cornwall. Through the scheme, Hannah was matched with a House and Collections Manager for the National Trust, Erddig, which involves team leadership, budget management and strategizing for emerging visitor markets. This mentor also has an MA in Heritage Management.

“I received really excellent advice throughout”

Hannah achieved all of her objectives increasing increased knowledge of sector entry requirements, received help to improve her CV and improved her personal development skills additionally her mentor was able to provide academic help to Hannah as she completed her dissertation.

Hannah shared some insight into her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

I received really excellent advice throughout as well as extensive help with my dissertation as it was based upon the heritage sector.

Penelope, Language and Translation

Education Teaching and Research, Modern Languages, , , ,

Penelope, a French and German student, was interested in a career in teaching in a variety of locations such as Germany, France or the UK. Penelope applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to learn about other career paths related to her degree, such as Translation, and post graduate study. Through the scheme, Penelope was matched with a Translator focusing on French and Italian texts being translated to English. He has a BA Hons in French with Subsidiary Italian, Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a Diploma in Translation.

“I feel I know a lot more about the sector”

Penelope achieved many objectives including widened her professional network, increasing her knowledge of job hunting resources in the sector, and increasing her knowledge of effective interview techniques.

Penelope shared her experience:

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

I really learnt a lot more about the sector and possible entry paths. I am now considering several different options and feel I know a lot more about the sector.

Nicola, Theatre and Performing Arts

Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts, , ,

Nicola, a Drama student, was interested in learning more about breaking into the Performing Arts industry, gain a greater understanding of scriptwriting and increase her knowledge about production and management. Through the scheme, Nicola was matched with the Artistic Director of Riptide. His role involves directing and creating productions, casting shows and organising personnel. His previous work experiences include Assistant Director for David Shearing and Director for Lord Whitney and was therefore in a great position to help Nicola in achieving her goals.

“Provided excellent guidance”

Nicola achieved all of her objectives including developed knowledge on how to explore other options or ways to enter the theatre production sector, widened her professional network within this sector and thereby widened the possibility for employment opportunities.

Nicola talked about her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Extremely helpful and provided excellent guidance on what paths I could explore or take to learn more about the theatre world and sector. Explored different opportunities I could take over the summer and other internship/work opportunities in the future.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Insight into how the drama sector works and how to network with other individuals and companies when looking into internships

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

It’s honestly such a helpful and good program to help you develop thinking beyond the academic field.

Gerard, Law and Legal services

law, Law and Legal Services,

Gerard, a Law student, was interested in a career with a multi-jurisdictional law firm and so applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to learn more about breaking into the industry. Through the Scheme, Gerard was matched with a Trainee Solicitor for Norton Rose Fulbright LLP. His role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, managing checklists, and drafting advice notes. His previous work experience includes SJ Berwin, Linklaters and even the Metropolitan Police Service.

“Everything worked well – the experience has been beneficial”

Gerard achieved all of his objectives including receiving first hand insight into the profession, receiving an office tour, and increased his knowledge of job hunting resources in the sector.

Gerard talked about his experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

  • Receiving application form tips and corrections ahead of applying for vacation schemes.
  • Arranging to meet my mentor in London at the Norton Rose Fulbright offices.
  • Gaining a valuable contact in a career sector that is important to me.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

  • Networking Opportunities
  • Applications Advice
  • Insight into my year abroad

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

Certainly apply with a detailed, enthusiastic application: find a mentor in a relevant sector, be polite and friendly and gain as much from the help on offer as you can.

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.