On Saturday the 20th of February the SMF held the second launch session for the Aspiring Professionals Programme for 2010. It was another successful day and we would like to once again thank all the Mentors and Mentees who attended the session. Thank you to Baker & McKenzie law firm for kindly hosting the event again.

Here are some comments about the day from some of the Mentors and Mentees:

Henry with his mentee Christina

Henry (Mentor) and Christina

Henry: “I enjoyed the session very much. I feel it gave me a good idea of the structure of the programme. It was really good to meet Christina as I was able to get an idea of her interests and her goals. This was important as it allowed me to see how ambitious Christina is, and the route she wants to take is clear. I am confident I know exactly what to do to assist her in reaching her goals. I think the an important aspect of this programme is that it is run over an extended period of time and therefore a meaningful impact can be made by the mentors on the mentees.”

Christina: “I think today was excellent. It gave me and Henry an opportunity to discuss our common interests and because of these interests we share we were able to really identify with each other. It was very beneficial being able to ask Henry questions that I have, as his input based on his experience was very valuable. I really got the sense that Henry and this programme are going to help achieve the goals I have set myself.”

Kate with Mentee Priscilla

Kate (Mentor) and Priscilla
Kate: “I thought today went really well. The presentations answered the questions that I had and I feel my role as a mentor was clarified. It was helpful to get a better idea of what is expected of me as a mentor. I think the meet up session was a good addition to the programme.”
Priscilla: “I enjoyed today. I thought the presentation was good as it answered the queries that I had. I also really enjoyed meeting my mentor and am glad I got to meet Kate and learn a bit about her before the programme starts. I think today was a good start to the Aspiring Professionals Programme.”

Naomi with Mentee Abisola

Naomi (Mentor) and Abisola
Naomi: “I think the day today was successful as it demonstrated the structure of the programme and gave us as mentors an understanding of the framework that is in place. Because of this the programme makes more sense to me now. I think the meet up session was particularly important as it allowed us to establish the kind of contact that would not have been possible without a face-to-face meeting.”
Abisola: “Today was really helpful. The presentation has equipped me with everything I need, to make full use of the programme. I enjoyed meeting Naomi, and it was good to find out more about a professional who is involved in the field that I aspire to be in. We didn’t even really need the sheets, we just enjoyed chatting to each other and asking each other questions. This has made me really excited and optimistic about the programme.”

Matt with Mentee Byrone

Matt (Mentor) and Byrone
Matt: “I was really impressed with how well organised the event was. I think the session is important for mentors as many of us are very busy professionals, and therefore have limited time. The session cleared up the questions that I had, and I have a much better understanding of the mechanics of the programme now. This was important as I now know how best I can utilise my limited time to contribute most to the programme.”
Byrone: “Attending today’s session was beneficial to me as it provided answers to the questions I had. I think the face-to-face meeting was good as it allowed me and my mentor to learn a bit about each other. I think this will be important in forming a strong e-mentoring relationship and ensure that I get the most out of it.

Anu with Mentee Alicja

Anu (Mentor) and Alicja
Anu: “The mentor presentation given by Raakhi was really informative and answered the questions that I had about the programme. I feel that the face-to-face meet up was an excellent addition to the programme this year. It allows Mentors and Mentees to make a connection that would not otherwise have been possible. This bodes well for the rest of the programme.”

Alicja: “I had a few questions about the programme before the session, but the presentation done by Jade answered my questions and gave me a much better idea of what the programme involves. Meeting my mentor was great and I think it has got the programme off to a very positive start. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Alex with Mentee Dorian

Alex (Mentor) and Dorian
Alex: “Before this event, the programme was not all that clear to me and I had a few queries. However I felt that the presentation given to Mentors contained all the relevant information to answer my questions and give me a better idea of what the programme is all about. I think it was important that I met Dorian as it showed me just how enthusiastic he is about the programme. It was good to see how driven all the mentees are and how optimistic they are about the programme. This was essential for getting the programme off to a positive start.”

Dorian: “The presentation today was necessary in order for me to get a better idea of what is expected of me in this programme. I enjoyed meeting Alex and feel he is going to be a great help in helping me to find out more about my chosen career path. I think his guidance will be important for me to begin realising my career aspirations. I think it is going to be a good programme.”