I have found it really fulfilling providing advice and guidance to someone interested in the sector in which I work. I hope I have helped shape a very successful future for my Mentee and believe she will go on to achieve many great things. Joanne Baker, Consultant, PKF (UK) LLP

Acting as a Mentor reminded me of how I felt as a 17 year-old A-level student myself, trying to make potentially life-changing decisions about a career that neither I, nor those available to me, knew much about. If I had had access to a Mentor at the time, I have no doubt that I would [...]

Applications are open for the 2011 Aspiring Professionals Programme. Click ‘Apply’ on the menu to the left to access the application form from 23rd October. The deadline for complete forms with teacher references is 30th November.

Being a mentor is a really worthwhile experience. It has given me the opportunity to give practical guidance and help to a young aspiring barrister – the type of help that many young people find it difficult to come by in other ways. I would certainly be pleased to repeat the experience. Kathryn Perera, Barrister, [...]

It has been great to take part in the mentoring programme. Not only has it made me think about my work in a different way, it’s been great to be able to give something back in the form of (hopefully good) advice – I only wish these scheme had been available when I was at [...]

I took part in the e-mentoring programme and my mentor was brilliant! She helped me with my personal statement, which universities to apply to and what her personal experience of going to university of like. Any questions I had about legal careers were instantly answered and it was always exciting to let my mentor know [...]

During his placement at Foster + Partners, Daniel worked closely with a team of architects in Group 4 on an international design competition. Here, he was able to use his talent and interest in software and web design to create a professional research report, analysing aspects of the site’s context. He proved himself to be extremely able and a real asset to the team.

The work he did…

Katrina seemed older than her years as she was a confident talker, asked questions and was easy to get along with. She was enthusiastic and keen to learn. She seemed to be really enjoying her week and taking a lot in from the various roles that she shadowed. Louise Bunker, Facilities Co-ordinator in Recreation, Portsmouth [...]

Shweta worked in my office for a week during which she impressed everyone with her positive attitude and her excellent attention to detail. I was delighted to host a student from the SMF programme which deserves recognition for its commitment to promoting aspiration and opportunity throughout our society.

The SMF is efficient and organised which makes working with them easy.  The calibre of the students is first-rate both in their attitude and their ability.  There is also the added bonus that as a company we are giving something back to the community by helping the next generation see what opportunities are available and [...]