About the Widening Participation Mentoring Programme
The Widening Participation Mentoring Programme was developed to enhance the education experience for students who might not have extensive personal support mechanisms in place, to help them thrive and develop skills for the future.
The programme offers students the chance to connect with an experienced industry professional and access ‘real world’ advice, guidance, and practical information on a one-to-one basis. The shared experiences and mentor insights have benefit throughout the student journey, supporting the achievement of career aspirations.
Below is some information on the programme for both Mentees (students), and Mentors, (employers).
Queen’s Widening Participation Student Mentoring Programme
Could you benefit from an Industry Mentor?
Take the opportunity to take the lead role in improving your employability prospects. Sign up to be connected with an industry professional who has volunteered their time to support you with ‘real world’ advice, guidance and practical information.
You will receive their support and guidance to develop your leadership, networking, communication, application and interview skills and get to know more about what a certain job might involve. The Mentoring scheme is open to all undergraduate students from a Widening Participation background (see eligibility criteria below).
Hear from a past student mentee on the programme
Michelle Edwards, Legal Professional in Baker McKenzie, tells us about her experiences with the Student Mentoring Programme and even how it landed her a job!
Students: Become a Mentee
As a Queen's student you can become a Mentee on the Widening Participation Mentoring Programme and connect with someone in your industry who will mentor and support you with ‘real world’ advice, guidance and practical information on a one-to-one basis.
Ask them about their expertise, knowledge and insights to help you progress through your student journey.
Student Mentee applications will open 07 October and close on 21 October 2024.
Programme Eligibility for Mentees (students)
To apply for the programme you must meet one of the following criteria:
- First member (excluding siblings) in your family to attend University
- Family income below £19,204 (i.e. you are in receipt of a full maintenance grant)
- Permanent residence that is classified, by postcode, as being in a "disadvantaged neighbourhood” by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
- Main carer for a family member or dependant
- Refugee or asylum seeker
- Care experienced or have left the care of a Health and Social Care Trust (e.g. Foster Care, Residential Care, etc.)
What is involved in the programme as a Mentor?
Mentoring is a process which links individuals, providing them with an opportunity to learn from a professional who shares their expertise, knowledge and insights to support development to progress through their student journey.
Mentoring is widely recognised as an effective tool for enhancing graduate career prospects.
As a Mentor (employer), you will:
- Engage and empower your student (Mentee) by sharing personal and professional experiences.
- Help the Mentee develop their confidence and discuss their journey to graduate employment.
- Commit to four mentoring sessions (approximately one hour in length) between November 2024 to April 2025.
Keep an eye on this webpage for information on when the Mentor applications will open for 2024-2025.
Closing date of registering an interest to become a Mentor is 5pm on 30 September 2024.