During her second year Zoology student Sophie undertook a mentoring partnership with a Principal Research Scientist.

After working as a researcher in Venezuela between 1986 and 1998, this mentor returned to the UK where she continued her research on gaseous emissions from agricultural soils. At the time of the mentoring partnership she was working at Rothamsted Research.

Here are Sophie’s insights from the partnership:

 What did you find most useful?

 The Career Mentor Scheme was a great experience and allowed me to gain insight into the field of work I am interested in and also build up an invaluable list of contacts for future employment. The most useful part of the scheme was learning about the different pathways there are into the sector and how my mentor specifically achieved this.

 What were the highlights?

 As my mentor was in the field of work I hope to pursue in the future, it was invaluable to get an insight into the various pathways there are into the sector. When meeting up in her work place, she introduced me to all the researchers which was a great networking experience and gave me relevant contacts for summer internships etc. I also received extensive help on updating my CV and checking applications I had written for several roles and also interview preparation tips.

 What objectives did you achieve?

 You don’t just gain advice on your CV and interview technique but also on how best to pursue a career in your chosen area, what qualifications and experiences are required and who is best to contact. For me, the most valuable part of the experience was the networking opportunity as your mentor works in the profession you are interested in, so they themselves are a potential key to future employment but they also open doors to getting in contact and meeting others in the field.

 What message would you give students thinking of applying for the career mentor scheme?

 I highly recommend the programme and believe that all students would benefit enormously.