“The most important part of mentoring is knowing that someone else has been in the same position that you are in now and they have achieved the career they set out to. This might not have been an easy task but if you work hard you will get there yourself. “
Psychology Student Sharon Ward, Class of 2020
What does it take to be a great mentor? The answer might be simpler than you think. Empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen are just as important as the ability to share advice and guidance to those with questions.
Many of our alumni volunteer as mentors to our students, sharing the benefit of their experience with those just starting out. Earlier this year some of those students nominated their mentors for awards recognising them for their dedication, care and advice. In this article, we celebrate those alumni, and what better way to do so, than in the words of their mentees themselves?
If you’re interested in volunteering as a mentor to support our students please contact Matt Beecroft, Careers Adviser on m.beecroft2@hull.ac.uk for further info. There is no prior mentoring experience necessary and communications is via email, Skype or phone so geographic location isn’t important.
“Ben is probably unaware of how large an impact he has had not only on my university experience, but on my motivation to achieve what I want for the future, and for that I cannot thank him enough.”
Matthew Stephenson, BSc Psychology, Class of 2021
“The most important quality for a mentor is to have some versatility especially when consulting with students who are not sure which industry that they wish to enter so the mentors can advise them of their different options or choices that they may have.”
Adele Lim, BSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Class of 2020
Mentee: Adele Lim, interested in Consumer Electronics and Semiconductors
Mentor: Dan Coote, Operational Strategy & Development Manager at DHL
“Dan was very helpful in assisting in any questions that I had regarding the industry to interview tips despite his busy schedule. He gave many tips and feedback on my CV and made sure I had all the information I needed for applying for internships and so on. One of the highlights of this programme was when I was invited to visit his site back in February. It was an invaluable experience as I got to see what really happens in warehouses in the UK and at the same time, he made sure to explain every single process that happened. This was very helpful as it helped me clarify and relate all that I have learnt in classes to real-life applications. With his guidance and continuous support, I have managed to apply and land a summer internship. We have also decided to keep in touch upon mutual agreement since the commencement of the programme.”
“Paul has been an amazing mentor since making contact with him in October. After just two emails he offered to search his network of contacts for work experience opportunities and visits to sites.”
Joe Bradley, MPhys Theoretical Physics, Class of 2022
Mentee: Joe Bradley, fields of interest include Computational Physics and Data Science and academia
Mentor: Paul Winstanley, Director at Reliance High-Tech Ltd
“Paul has been an amazing mentor since making contact with him in October. After just two emails he offered to search his network of contacts for work experience opportunities and visits to sites. He went out of his way to meet me for a coffee at the university, providing me with invaluable interview and careers advice, about what makes a good interview from the perspective of an employer. His belief in me and his advice gave me the confidence to pursue applications for internship positions, which, after taking his interview advice I was able to secure. Paul consistently replies within a day of mailing him, and even after securing my placement he continues to support me with advice for starting the new position. I know that he would have done anything in his power to pursue whatever I set my heart on , and for that he has been an excellent mentor.”
“Ben is probably unaware of how large an impact he has had not only on my university experience, but on my motivation to achieve what I want for the future, and for that I cannot thank him enough.”
Matthew Stephenson, BSc Psychology, Class of 2021
Mentee: Matthew Stephenson – wants to work in Forensic Psychology
Mentor: Ben Green, Interventions Facilitator at Hull Prison
“In the short time that myself and Ben have been in contact he has provided a wealth of information coupled with opportunities that have reaffirmed my belief that my education and employment goals are the correct ones for me and are well within my grasp should I work hard to achieve them. Ben has taken the time to get to know me personally as well as professionally, before sending me recommended texts that are not only relevant to my interests, but vital to understanding the direction in which the employment sector in his area is going.
“Ben recommended multiple ways that I could improve my future applications for employment, such as how to make the most of my university experience and volunteering opportunities in my area. As a direct result of his advice I became voted in as Vice President of the University Boxing Club, as well as receiving a voluntary position in a local charity working with reforming offenders. I gained an opportunity to have a tour around the local prison, and Ben informed me which wings would be most relevant to me so that I could make the most out of my short time there. Upon leaving Ben contacted the lead psychologist of the area and provided me with multiple recommended documents that address how these wings are run as well as the background information on why they exist. On top of all of this Ben has consistently gone out of his way to answer any questions I may have had, as well as offering advice in an incredibly quick manor. Ben is probably unaware of how large an impact he has had not only on my university experience, but on my motivation to achieve what I want for the future, and for that I cannot thank him enough.”
“I have sometimes struggled to have confidence to make decisions but Carrie has given me some great advice without being intrusive, allowing me to make my own decisions.”
Sharon Ward, BSc Psychology, class of 2020
Mentee: Sharon Ward, wants to become a clinical psychologist
Mentor: Dr Carrie Rowbotton, Chartered Clinical Psychologist at Life Bright Psychological Services
“I would like to nominate Carrie for an award because I feel she has been extremely supportive throughout the last few months. I have sometimes struggled to have confidence to make decisions but Carrie has given me some great advice without being intrusive, allowing me to make my own decisions. Carrie is a lovely person and deserves this award for the time and effort she has put in to the e-mentoring process. We have met and she took time on her day off to go through her job responsibilities and just have a chat. In addition Carrie has offered to review applications for myself and help in any way possible.
“The most important part of mentoring for myself was knowing that someone else has been in the same position as what you are in now and they have achieved the career they set out to. This might not have been an easy task but if you work hard you will get there yourself.”
“Jade was always to the point and extremely friendly. We have a lot in common and came from a similar background.”
Jodie Brown, LLB Law, Class of 2022
Mentee: Jodie Brown, wants to work as a Barrister, or alternatively would like to create a platform for ordinary people to learn their rights
Mentor: Jade Hakeney, Crown Prosecutor at Crown Prosecution Services
“Over e-mail it can be hard to communicate what you want to say but Jade was always to the point and extremely friendly. We have a lot in common and came from a similar background. She is living proof that if you truly want something you can achieve by believing in yourself and having the confidence to apply for the job role you wish to have. Jade also helped to look over my CV and change it in order for it to be focused to a job role within CPS. I honestly don’t know how I would have achieved this without the e-mentoring programme.”
University of Hull Alumni Association 