I first heard about the Social Mobility Foundation through my school, when they offered a small number of us the chance to take part in the Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP).

Initially, I assumed it would be like other mentoring programmes where you are allocated to any old ‘professional’ who would every now and then tell you to work hard and go to university. Granted, that’s good advice, but hardly inspirational. However, from the first APP induction meeting that kicked off the programme, I could tell this was going to be different.

The day got off to a rather complicated start, with many of the London Underground lines out of action and alternative routes having to be found. We all got there in the end and the session started off with the somewhat dreaded ice-breaker (in which I spoke to a good number of people, but sadly only remember one name) but it did serve its purpose and by the time the break came it meant there was at least one person I could make further awkward conversation with – much more preferable than standing by yourself!

Before the break we had gone over the rules and guidelines that we and our mentors are required to follow, set so that we could not only be safe whilst part of the programme but get the best out of it too. It was clear from listening and speaking to those who work on the APP that they are passionate about helping students like us – who are not from ‘privileged’ backgrounds – get into areas of work that are not always readily available and open to us. In some careers, getting in is all about connections and this is what the Aspiring Professionals Programme is about: matching up hardworking, intelligent students with a professional in their chosen career to help guide them and advise them, particularly now when the time for universities and UCAS is approaching. There are over ten areas available, from Medicine, Politics and Law to Architecture, Science and Accounting, with mentors working in companies such as Clifford Chance, Foster + Partners and the BBC. The APP even has connections with MPs, such as David Cameron, and thus gives us the opportunity to talk to and form professional relationships with those ‘in the know’.

For the second half of the meeting students got to meet some of the mentors who had been able to attend the session, and spent some time getting to know them. As the majority of the mentoring takes place online, it was a good opportunity to put a face to a name, and for those whose mentors were not present, it was a chance to meet other people in their chosen career field and ask them lots of questions. Either way, everyone was participating and seemed comfortable but definitely eager and excited to being their mentoring.

Personally, I have selected the Media category. For work experience in school I tried desperately to get onto my local paper, but even after speaking to the Editor on the phone, nothing came of it. I must admit after such a disheartening experience I had given up – that is, until the APP gave me this chance to establish a different access route into my chosen career and has given me hope.

Overall, the session was enjoyable and informative, and for me – as well as everyone else I’m sure – it was a great start to what I hope to be a fantastic beginning to all our careers.

Kerry