A chance to talk with an experienced, skilled Mentor about careers, job-finding, direction-setting and the practicalities of working out what you're going to do next, and how you might do it.
Applications Open 2nd Week in November
Note: Once the number of allocated places have been filled we will close the application form even before the closing date (Monday 26 January at 12 noon)! So please register early to secure your place.
The Programme matches you with an experienced Mentor - often a Homerton alumni - to discuss career options, provide advice on next steps or job applications, and offer a different set of perspectives. Mentors might work in the sector you're interested in, or they may simply be able to provide insight from the benefit of their own working experience.
The scheme is for undergraduates and graduate students at Homerton, including those who recently graduated (+ 2023). It's jointly hosted by Homerton Changemakers and the College's Development Office.
We are grateful to the fantastic group of Mentors for giving their time so generously.
Note: Students who have participated in previous Mentoring Programmes will only be considered if there are places available.
We will be in touch from late January 2026 to let you know if your application has been successful.
How it works
Timeline: From February - July 2026
Time required: from 3 to 6 hours max, according to your availability. Some people prefer to meet weekly, others fortnightly or even monthly. There is, however, an expectation that you'll have at least 3 meetings totaling at least 3 hours.
Process:
- Submit an application form including a short paragraph on what you hope to gain from the mentoring process (n.b. your application form will be shared with your Mentor ahead of your first meeting)
- College staff will ‘match’ you with a Mentor and make an email introduction. You can then contact your Mentor to arrange a first meeting
Tools for communication: up to you (e.g. Zoom; WhatsApp)
Topics: it's an ‘open conversation’, from career decisions to job-finding to balancing work with the rest of life, whatever you wish. The usual rules of respect, openness, consideration and politeness apply
Confidentiality: discussions are confidential unless the Mentor is concerned about the safety of the mentee
Feedback: at the end of the process we will ask all participants and Mentors to fill in a (very short) questionnaire about their experiences.
Feedback from Mentors
- It has been a privilege and pleasure to continue to support the programme and to help my Mentee and others over the last few months. I look forward to continuing to open doors and mentoring future leaders/Changemakers.
- I have an excellent Mentee and I'm very much enjoying getting to know her and supporting her in whatever ways I can
- I wanted to share a brief update on my mentoring experience. I remain enthusiastic about the initiative and happy to continue supporting the programme in ways that are helpful.
- I’m pleased to report that the mentoring process is going very well. My Mentee and I have met 4 times (Zoom calls, for an hour each time), had perhaps a dozen emails and some ad-hoc chat on LinkedIn. From my side I’m very glad to be able to support her and I believe the mentoring has been mutually beneficial and rewarding.
- I’ve really been enjoying meeting my Mentee and hope she is also gaining from our conversations.
- I have now had three mentoring sessions with Mentee (2x0.5 hours and 1x2 hours F2F). He tells me he is getting a lot from the sessions and I have been able to provide him with practical tools and coaching. More sessions to come, but I think we are off to a good start!
- I am so pleased to be involved in the programme which is such a positive experience and an amazing opportunity for students. I would love to continue being involved in the programme and congratulations on it’s success.
Feedback from students
- My Mentor has given me so much encouragement and wisdom about my field of interest. I have really benefitted from chatting with so much experience. Advice ranging from personal to professional issues that impact your career. Experience in framing and explaining experiences and re-living them allow for introspection and new reactions.
- I am finding the Mentoring Programme to be very helpful and enjoyable. I am learning a lot about options within the sectors I am interested in, and general advice about applications and interview techniques. So many thanks for organising this!
- Advice ranging from personal to professional issues that impact your career. Experience in framing and explaining experiences and re-living them allow for introspection and new reactions.
- The Homerton Mentoring Programme has been an amazing experience so far. The Mentor I’ve been allocated is very kind and fully committed to helping me figure out what career I want to pursue. He has also been really responsive to my questions and has been proactive in sending me job opportunities he thinks I might be interested in. We have regular meetings in which we go through some job applications and he gives me advice on how to sharpen my skills. The Mentoring Programme is a great way to bridge the gap between academia and employment and it is always lovely to meet a fellow Homertonian.’
- My Mentor was a constant source of reassurance and support, helping me with more practical matters such as CVs and using LinkedIn etc. What I found the most useful was his constant reassurance about how to manage setbacks and go about making my voice heard. This was very useful for a recent graduate, especially within the difficult climate we are in at the minute.
- It’s definitely been a worthwhile experience to do this year and he’s a great Mentor for me. Was able to share a lot of great wisdom.
