Being mentored by employers
Our Employer Mentoring Scheme will pair you up with a mentor from a local or national organisation or with an entrepreneur to help you enhance your employment knowledge and skills. You can tailor the scheme to your specific needs.
The Employer Mentoring Scheme is open to all Higher Education and Access students at the University of Derby.
» Why register for the mentoring scheme?
- A 'critical friend' to help you develop skills and experience employers want.
- Help to focus on your career and identify opportunities.
- Advice on marketing yourself effectively to employers.
- An opportunity to network and expand your career horizons.
- Plan your own business (if you are a budding entrepreneur).
- Learn about freelancing.
» How will mentors help me?
Mentors can:
- Help you to consider career options.
- Help you learn to network.
- Work with you to improve your presentations.
- Review CVs, covering letters and application forms.
- Give you an insight into their organisation.
- Organise work shadowing opportunities.
- Give you information on self-employment and entrepreneurship.
» What will I need to do?
We will pair you up with a member of staff from a company or organisation or with a local entrepreneur. You will meet on at least six occasions for approximately two hours, preferably at your mentor's place of work. However, if this is not possible, a meeting room can be booked at the University.
In order to be as flexible as possible, some of the meetings may be conducted via email or telephone.
» How do I apply?
Download an application form, complete it and return it to us at Kedleston Road or Buxton, by hand or email. Our scheme co-ordinator will contact you.
Sector-specific match is not always necessary since our mentors are highly experienced and professional people. Where a specialist match would be appropriate we will do our best to identify a suitable mentor, although this cannot be guaranteed.
Students will be invited to attend a short induction before being put in contact with their mentors.
You will then be expected to liaise directly with your mentor to arrange meetings.
» What happens at the end of the Scheme?
You will complete a brief report and evaluation of your experience as a student mentee (and your mentor will be asked to do the same). You will also have an opportunity to nominate your mentor for the Mentor of the Year Award (and your mentor can nominate you for the Mentee of the Year Award).
All participants will be invited to an Awards Evening, which usually takes place in May, where mentors and students receive certificates of completion.
Forms, including expenses claim forms, are available here
