The programme will run between November  - May.  In this period you will complete at least:

• 4 sessions with a mentor
• Attend 1 training seminar
• Receive monthly newsletters
• Complete an evaluation and reflective review
• Attend a celebration event

How do I engage with the mentor?

Again this is entirely agreed between the mentee and mentor.  Previous meetings have included coffee catch ups, visits to the mentors workplace, meetings on campus, online meetings, engaging during events etc.

Benefits of engaging with a mentor?

• Increased confidence and performance
• The opportunity to learn from a role model
• A broader perspective
• Explore possible solutions
• Help in clarifying and setting development goals
• Expanded network
• A safe environment to test out ideas and suggestions

Potential Engagement Topics

The mentoring topics, meetings and aims are agreed entirely between the mentee and mentor.  Meaning the programme is tailored to your needs and aims!  Some topics typically covered include:

• Career development
• Presentations and public speaking
• Business start-up
• Building networks
• Recruitment and training
• Increasing career and business confidence
• Resilience
• Problem solving
• Someone to support me
• Organisation and planning
• Profile and visibility
• Interviews and pitches

All students from the School of Biological Sciences are eligible to apply.  We will review your application to determine suitability to the programme.  Pending suitability we will then confirm a suitable match to our available mentors.

Please note, this programme is extremely popular and we typically have a higher number of student applications to the number of mentors available.  We encourage you to consider your application carefully.

We will provide points based on your application.  Students meeting the following criteria will be given additional points:

• students who have participated in a widening participation programme
• BAME students
• students registered with disability services
• students in their final year of study
• students who haven't completed a placement module / year

For more information please refer to our mentee guide below:

Mentee Guide 24/25

Alternatively you can email the programme coordinator: Dionne Alexander - d.alexander@qub.ac.uk

Please complete the 2024/25 Application Form

Please note your application will be used to assess your suitability to the programme and then matching you to a mentor if successful.

“I had a wonderful experience with my mentor. Frances was so supportive and encouraging. She really listened to everything I had to say and valued my contribution to our meetings. I feel very lucky and grateful to have been paired with her. I would highly recommend this programme after the amazing experience I have had and how much I have gained from this relationship.”

Stephanie McClune, MSc Parasitology and Pathogen Biology, Mentee with Frances Weldon, Almac

“I applied for the programme as I was unsure with what career path to follow, I thought that this programme would give me an insight into the food industry in more depth and potentially show me options that I maybe didn’t know was available. I was keen to get advice from someone working within the food industry to expand my network! 

A key benefit of the programme for me was the support my mentor gave me in the run up to an assessment centre. Also, advice of what careers and roles require certain qualifications e.g. bachelors, masters v PhD, as this was something I was trying to decide between.

In addition, through this programme in combination with being a peer mentor Year 2 of my degree, meant that I have successfully achieved my Future Ready award!”

Chloe McNeilly, BSc Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition, Mentee with Rose Doherty, Pilgrims Food Masters

Mentoring involves sharing your knowledge, skills and experience to help your Mentee progress, to seek new opportunities and have a clearer idea of their career direction after graduation.

Typically the mentoring has involved online meetings, coffee and informal chats, meeting during an event, site visits and some work shadowing.

Past matches found the most beneficial activities to be: mock interviews, cv editing, goal setting, networking and career directions, career options review, confidence building.

We have produced a handy guide for mentors and will also provide an induction / information session for new mentors joining the programme.  Read more Mentor Guide 24/25

Complete the form here to express an interest: 2024/25 Application Form

“It was extremely pleasant. I thought it was quite rewarding to be able to give back and to engage with someone still in education looking to get into industry. I hope my mentee also found it rewarding.”

Paul Donaghey, AECOM