EMPLOYER MENTORING PROGRAMME

An outline of the programme

Details in this presentation

1. Aim of the programme2. Benefits to students & mentors3. Outline of the programme4. Students’ goals & objectives5. The mentor’s role6. Evaluation 2007-8 Programme7. Further Information

Aim of the Programme

To link disabled students to professionals who offer support and an insight into a specific area of work.

Benefits to students Clarify your career ideas Increase your understanding of a job role Receive advice about getting into a career

area Help with CVs and job hunting Feel more self-assured at work Confidently address issues around

disability and disclosure

Benefits to mentors Develop your coaching skills Refresh your own view of work Develop undergraduates’ interest in your

sector and your business Promote your reflective learning An opportunity to act as a positive role model Increase awareness of diversity

issues

Outline of the Programme Students express an interest in taking

part from April-September 2008. In 2007, 10 students took part from

different disciplines & year groups. Local employers are approached or

volunteer to take part Induction Session (Sept/Oct ‘08) Mentoring begins Mentoring Event (Mar/April 2009)

Students’ goals & objectives

“Find out more about a particular career.”

“Get advice on job hunting, CVs and applying for work experience.”

“Understand more about the options after my degree.”

“Gain confidence.”

“Understand more about work.”

The Mentor’s role Provide encouragement

Provide up to date and relevant information on the industry/area of work

Eliminate any preconceived ideas or assumptions about the industry/area of work

Contribute to the development of a student’s university experience

Act as a positive role model

Evaluation 2007-2008 Students found out more about their career

idea

Mentors enjoyed meeting UoP students

Students feel more confident about approaching employers

Evaluation 2007-2008

“I’ve gained a better awareness of the workplace and the different opportunities within Law. I’ve discovered how I could fit them around my health. My mentor was able to give me quite a significant amount of advice as his employment has been quite varied. It has been a positive experience.” Law Student

Evaluation 2007-2008

“Taking part in the mentoring programme has enabled me to fine tune my CV and covering letter to make them more appropriate in the IT industry. I now know more about it is like to work in the IT industry .” Computing student

Evaluation 2007-2008

“This has been a positive way to develop my equality and diversity knowledge compared to the standard presentation/seminar style of learning. The programme is mutually beneficial for the student and the employer.” Mentor

Further Information

Look at the

Student Profiles

on the website

www.plymouth.ac.uk/careers/mentoring

For further Information please contact Email: kate.colechin@plymouth.ac.uk, Careers Service, Tel: 01752 232262