Finding a Mentor

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Finding a Mentor

Learn about the Career Mentoring Scheme at Sheffield Hallam University

What is the Career Mentoring Scheme?

The Career Mentoring Scheme gives undergraduate students the opportunity to work with a mentor, who can provide industry insight, explain how they developed their career and help you gain the skills to boost your employability.

Applications are now closed. They will reopen September 2024. 

Benefits of the Career Mentoring Scheme

This is your chance to meet with a professional who can share experience, knowledge, and insights about their role, industry or organisation. You can also:

  • Develop your skills, knowledge, and experience to enhance your CV
  • Boost your career readiness
  • Increase your confidence
  • Expand your network of contacts

In addition, you may be able to gain valuable work experience through workplace visits and internships.

Who are the mentors?

Previous mentors have been employees from companies such as the NHS, Lishmans LLP, FIFA, Guinness, The Cabinet Office, The British High Commission, Nestle, Google, BBC and PwC have signed up to meet with you. 

Taking part in the Career Mentoring Scheme

You will need to be:

  • A current Sheffield Hallam University Undergraduate student
  • Able to attend two compulsory mentee inductions and commit to at least four meetings with your mentor throughout the academic year
  • Committed to the mentoring process, which means keeping in regular contact with your mentor throughout the scheme

What you get out of the scheme depends on what you want, and on the support your mentor can provide you with. 

How do I apply?

As part of your application you must tell us why you want to apply, what you hope to gain, the sector you want to know more about or are interested in working in, and your potential career ideas. Complete your application here.

This form is for expressing your interest in the scheme and does not guarantee participation. Applications are a competitive process so take time with your application to make sure it is the best it can be.

Please note that places are limited to 150 and, whilst we encourage all undergraduate students to apply, places will be prioritised to second year students. We are not accepting applications from postgraduate students. 

What is Mentor Link?

The course is broken down into one introduction and 5 sessions designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to build a successful mentoring relationship.

You will work through topics, including:

  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a positive mentor and mentee relationship
  • Developing your self-awareness in relation to strengths and areas for development
  • Identifying the kind of advice you need from a mentor and learning how to frame this through clear, measurable objectives
  • How to look for and how to effectively approach a mentor

With each session, you’ll have the opportunity to read through relevant materials and complete tasks to develop business communication skills, confidence, networking abilities and professionalism.

You’ll also be rewarded for your participation by gaining a certificate upon completion as proof of the skills you’ve developed, which can be used as further evidence towards the Hallam Award.

What are the benefits?

  • Develop the skills and confidence to find your own mentor
  • Work through a structured programme at your own pace
  • Boost your career readiness
  • Reflect on what you’ve learned
  • Use what you’ve learned to gain the Hallam Award

Who can apply?

You don't need to apply! The programme is flexible, allowing you to start and finish at a time that suits you, however, the sooner you complete it the sooner you increase your chances of gaining a mentor. Mentor Link is for any current Sheffield Hallam University student, studying any course at any level.

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