Tag Archives: history

Joanna, Science

Law and Legal Services, Medical Sciences, Science, , , ,

Joanna, a Medical Sciences student, was passionate about the science and technology industry and wanted to investigate a career in computational biology and law. Her aims of the Career Mentor Scheme were to receive guidance on how her two passions of law and science could be combined into a future career. Through the scheme, Joanna was matched with a Chemistry alumnus who is now the Head of Unit at the European Patent Office based in Austria. Nigel has also worked for the Ministry of Defence, at the University of Surrey after completing his PHD and as a Research Scientist.

“A new perspective”

Joanna achieved all of her objectives including help with interview preparation, advice on pursuing a PhD and received academic support from her mentor.

Joanna talked about her experience:

What were the highlights of the scheme?

Help obtaining a new perspective on my future career plans.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Insight into my chosen sector, and how many paths there are into this career.

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

You will not regret it.

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.

Georgina, Charity and Development

Charity and Development Work, History, , , ,

Georgina, a History student, was interested in a career in the Public or Voluntary sector but was slightly confused about the overwhelming number of opportunities in both sectors. Previously, Georgina has researched the Civil Service schemes, MI5 programmes and the Met Police tracks. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Georgina was matched with the Director of Development and Engagement for Contact a Family, a national charity supporting families with children who have disabilities or additional needs. This mentor has also worked for Join In, National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, and London Voluntary Services Council.

“Make it your responsibility to make the most out of it.”

Georgina achieved many objectives including increased knowledge of job hunting resources, increased knowledge of effective application forms and a increased knowledge of finding and securing internships and work experience.

Georgina shared her experience:

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

  • Talking to a professional
  • My mentor introduced his colleagues including both recent graduates and more experienced
  • Went to a conference and saw how it operated

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

Take the opportunity and make it your responsibility to make the most out of it.

Emily, Education, Training and Research

Education Teaching and Research, History, , , ,

Emily, a History and German student, was interested in studying for a PGCE and working in the teaching profession. Through the Career Mentor Scheme, Emily was matched with the Headteacher of Ratcliffe College, an independent school, with previous employment including Senior Deputy Head of Kingswood School and Assistant Director of Reading Blue Coat School. This mentor is also studying for his Phd at Sheffield, alongside achieving a variety of qualifications prior.

“This is an excellent scheme to participate with as it gives you impartial support and understanding”

Emily achieved all of her objectives including increased knowledge of finding internships and work experience in this sector, increased knowledge of good/bad aspects of the profession and increased knowledge of effective application forms in the education sector.

Emily shared her experience:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

Getting an insight into the positives of teaching and the mood of the profession in light of government involvement has been an interesting and informative experience. Just being able to speak to a teacher who had been in teaching at all levels was very rewarding and a highlight of the scheme for me.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

I found insight into entering the profession and possibly looking at moving towards education policy useful.

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

If you’re looking for an insight into a profession you are interested in but uncertain about, this is an excellent scheme to participate with as it gives you impartial support and understanding. I found it to be a valuable experience but I would recommend further participants to engage themselves better than I did.

Toby, Management and Consultancy

Classics and Ancient History, Management and Consultancy, , ,

Ancient History student Toby applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to be matched with a Director at Inspired Exchange. This mentor has been in the Management and Consultancy sector for a long time. Previous positions he has held include Assistant Director of Leisure at Hackney Borough Council,  Independent Leisure Consultant and Projects Director at  London Events Agency.

Toby Gladwin

Toby had a lot of positive feedback to share with us regarding how the scheme helped his career development.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

My mentor was incredibly friendly yet always professional. He set the precedent and he seemed to respect and enjoy the enthusiasm and engagement that I came with. On leaving my first meeting I felt like I could have walked into any interview and got the job. My mentor installed confidence in my through an understanding of the process and the requirements of employers and belief in my abilities and suitability. He is an excellent mentor to have and I am incredibly thankful to him for his time, energy and continuing support.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

My mentor was very direct, when working through my CV, career path or any interview questions, he would always answer in an incredibly transparent fashion. He verbally ranked my experiences/attributes on my first CV and helped explain how ‘facts and stories’ make the most convincing reading. I know have full confidence in my CV and am excited for the next stage.

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

My mentor helped me get from a shaky CV and a rough idea of jobs after university to a solid CV I have full confidence in and a job offer when I graduate. What have you got to lose?

 

Holly, Media, Publishing and Journalism

History, Media Publishing and Journalism, Politics and International Relations, , , , , ,

Holly was studying History and Politics and was looking for guidance into the Media, Publishing and Journalism sector. She applied to the Career Mentor Scheme and was matched with a Rights Administrator at Warner Bros. This mentor’s main responsibilities include managing the pre and post-sales administration of deals including output and volume agreements.negative-1531346

Holly had an amazing experience being mentored. She achieved every single objectives she had set at the beginning of their partnership, including gaining professional experience to put on her CV and obtaining help with application forms.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

My highlights from this scheme was the work experience that my mentor helped me to get at Lionsgate. I spent the week helping various departments and also shadowing my mentor.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

My mentor’s insight into the TV and Film industry was one of the most helpful parts of the scheme for me. However, the work experience I did at Lionsgate where he works was really interesting and helpful. The CV and application advice was also very helpful.

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

This is the best opportunity to get a real-life insight into the career you’re interested in.

The highlight for the mentor was:

“Having my mentee to do some work experience with my company was great – especially as she proved herself to be friendly and hardworking.” 

Jessica, Management and Consultancy

History, Management and Consultancy, , , , ,

History student Jessica was interested in going into Management and Consultancy. Through the Career Mentor Scheme she was matched with a Management Consultant at Hisley Consulting. This mentor also has experience in the Pharmaceutical and Supply chain sectors. Her previous employment includes General Manager of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Site and Director of Regional Outsourced Manufacturing organisation.

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Jessica gave us an insight into the ways in which she benefited from the scheme.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Being able to meet with her and talk about consultancy with a neutral person (not family or friends) who was very knowledgeable and really helped me gain a perspective of what was expected of me and what I need to do to achieve such a position.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience? 

Insight into my chosen career. You don’t ever get an opportunity like this to talk to someone in depth about a certain career path which was invaluable experience.

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

It is a perfect way to get inside knowledge on a particular career and discuss your own ambitions and opportunities with someone neutral

 

Anya, Charity and Development Work

Charity and Development Work, English, History, , ,

In Term 2 of her first year Anya applied to the Career Mentor Scheme because she was looking for guidance and advice about how to get into Charity and Development work. After submitting a successful application, Anya was matched with a New Business Development Manager at Parkinsons UK.

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Through the scheme and Hannah’s help Anya achieved every single objective she had at the beginning of the scheme, including gaining work shadowing, having her CV proofread and improved and developing her interview techniques.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

My mentor kindly arranged two work insight days at her current and previous places of work. These days were incredibly valuable; rather than follow my mentor around all day, she had arranged short meetings with a variety of people, all of whom gave lots of different advice. I loved receiving a range of insights from different people.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

I loved having a relatable role model in the sector – my mentor was young, female and had a similar background to me. I knew I could trust what she was saying and her advice was even more poignant because of its relevance to me.

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

This scheme is an absolute dream. It provides a supported, informal entrance to your chosen sector with individualized help from someone who already has experience. For me, there is no better way to find out information about a sector, profession or company. It even gives generalized advice about the workplace, the transition from university to working life, and career progression. Moreover, it allows you to build a rapport with a contact within an organization which goes beyond the end of the scheme.

The highlight for the mentor was:

“Having the opportunity to support someone so enthusiastic in the sector I was working in, and being able to understand her questions as it was where I was at 5 years ago.  The opportunity to stay connected to my university and offer a student real insight into a place of work.”

Oliver, Banking and Financial Services

Banking and Financial Services, History, , ,

Oliver, a History student participated in the Career Mentor Scheme and his mentor was a Global Head of Equities & Strategy at Jupiter Asset Mgmt.

This mentor has previously held a variety of positions in his career. He started off as Fund Manager at Sun Alliance Insurance Group and then moved to Senior Portfolio Manager at Fleming & Co. In 1999 he became head of Japan Portfolios Group at JP Morgan Asset Management until in 2007 he became Chief Investment Strategist for EMEA at JP Morgan Private Bank. In 2011 he joined Caledonia Investments plc as Head of Global Equity Income & Growth Team before moving to Jupiter Asset Mgmt.

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Oliver had some really great feedback to give about the scheme. The mentoring partnership with his mentor helped him obtain job hunting resources and gain an insight into the career. He also developed professional contacts and learned more about the entry requirements.

What was the highlight of the scheme for you?

Meeting my mentor – this was beneficial in a way that is often hard to achieve simply via email.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

My mentor’s advise was very honest and showed me how best to approach a career in the sector from the position that I was in.

Katie, Management and Consultancy

English, History, Management and Consultancy, , , ,

Katie wanted to go into the Management and Consultancy sector. Through the Career Mentor Scheme she was matched with a Revenue Director at Microsoft. This mentor went into Management and Consultancy. His recent previous employment includes being a Head of Business Development at MSN Asia between 2008 and 2012 and Head of Commercial Partnerships between 2012 and 2014.

Katie benefited hugely from the mentoring partnership. She achieved all personal development and career development objectives, such as improving her listening and confidence building skills and receiving help with application forms.

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What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

Learning about the Marketing sector from an experienced marketer.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Gaining useful contacts that have enabled me to secure work experience and a summer internship.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask your career mentor for something you want [i.e. work shadowing].