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

Sam (Mentor) and Bomi
Sam: “I felt today was an important start to the Aspiring Professionals Programme. It gave us the opportunity to meet our Mentees and establish a connection with them. I enjoyed meeting Bomi and feel that this meeting will make correspondence easier and facilitate free-flowing dialogue between the two of us. I look forward to starting the mentoring.”

Bomi: “I enjoyed this Launch session. It was good to meet my Mentor Sam as it gave me the opportunity to learn a bit more about him and about my desired career path. I think the training session equipped me for the programme and helped to familiarise myself with the website. I now feel confident that I will be able to get the most possible out of this programme.”

Luke and his mentee Jutta

Luke (Mentor) and Jutta
Luke: “I not only enjoyed today but thought it was fundamentally important to the Aspiring Professionals Programme. I think that meeting Jutta was so important as we were able to establish a connection, which stands us in good stead for the rest of the programme. I thought the session was concise, simple and effective and has prepared both Mentors and Mentees for the programme. I think today was a great start to the programme.”

Jutta: “Today provided me with everything I needed from the session. The presentation gave me the necessary training and helped me to better understand the programme and how it will run. It was also a good opportunity to meet my Mentor Luke. He seems very knowledgeable about his field and I’m sure I will gain a lot from his mentoring.”

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.”

by Jessica

After being interested in the Media sector of the professional world for a long time, I was intrigued to discover what the Social Mobility Foundation could offer to support me in my aspirations.

Through discovering the programme by reading a poster in my college, I was keen to find out more. Due to the fact that the programme is aimed at students who receive EMA, I thought this was a great opportunity for me to develop skills and insight into university applications along with advice and information on my chosen sector. Therefore being an incredible chance for me and also people like me who essentially find it challenging to apply and go to university.

When I received the email that I was accepted in the programme, I was truly happy and proud of myself. Consequently, we booked train tickets to come to London straightaway. I was ecstatic about coming to London, meeting my mentor and the SMF staff, as well as my fellow mentees. 

I arrived half an hour late, in jeans and I entered a room full of smart, future professionals, all from London. I felt like I stood out like a sore thumb, being the only northerner in the room, strangely, people took a likening to my accent!

I suddenly felt relaxed and each person I spoke to had had a genuine enthusiasm for the programme.

After being further informed on what the programme would involve, I soon realised what a privileged opportunity this is for me. I am looking forward to the start of the programme on 15^th March.

On Saturday the 20^th 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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.”

]]> http://www.socialmobility.org.uk/uncategorized/aspiring-professionals-programme-launch-february-2010/feed/ http://www.socialmobility.org.uk/blogs/aspiring-professionals-programme-launch-january-2010/ http://www.socialmobility.org.uk/blogs/aspiring-professionals-programme-launch-january-2010/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:43:05 +0000 Raakhi Test http://www.socialmobility.org.uk/?p=1255 On Saturday the 30th of January the SMF launched the Aspiring Professionals Programme for 2010 with its first meet up day for Mentors and Mentees on the programme. The sessions each lasted for two hours and there were three sessions throughout the course of the day.

The first half of each session was for presentations for the Mentors and Mentees.  Raakhi Sunak gave the Mentor presentation. This gave the Mentors a better idea of what the programme entails and provided the opportunity for any questions to be raised.

Jade Broughton presented to the Mentees, and this demonstrated to the Mentees what is expected of them during the programme and what they can expect to get out the programme. It is also provided the students with a time for questions. The second half of the session was for the Mentors and Mentees to meet each other. This gave the Mentors and Mentees the chance to learn a bit about each other and to work through some activities together.

Thank you to Baker & McKenzie law firm for kindly hosting the event. Everyone who took part in the sessions showed much enthusiasm and the day got the APP off to an exciting start.

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

Simon with his Mentor Indrani

Indrani: “I thought today was really successful. The meet up was a great new addition to the programme as it makes the programme a bit more personal. It was a good opportunity as we got to set our goals together. This was great as we agreed on our aims for the programme, and this has given us targets to work towards.”

Simon: “I’m really glad I got to meet Indrani. She gave me a better idea of my future career and we were able to establish what we both wanted from the programme. It was also great to have the opportunity to meet some of the students from other schools.”

Jaimie with Mentee Jonah

Jaimie: “I thought the meet up was a really good idea. It’s great to meet Jonah as I was able to get a better idea of where each other have come from and we were able to identify with each other. I feel that having met each other the programme will run better as we have already made that initial connection. I feel that the programme is a great opportunity as it prepares the students well for their entry into the professional world.”

Jonah: “I really enjoyed meeting Jaimie, I got an idea of his personality and this has made me even more enthusiastic for the programme. I was really impressed with the whole day and thought it was run very professionally”.

Aisling with Mentor Balvinder

Balvinder: “I think the meet up went really well. It was great to be able to meet Ashley and find out a bit more about her. The session was well organised and I think it has got the programme off to a good start.”

Aisling: “It was a great idea to introduce the meet up session. I now have a better idea of who my mentor is and it has made it less daunting. I’m looking forward to starting the programme very much.”

Dr. Geoff Parks likened students’ interviews to “a game of chess” where “no two games are the same” and along with Lucinda Rumsey, an English tutor at Oxford, spoke in depth about the different styles and possible questioning that could be expected across a range of subject areas.

Lucinda Rumsey, an experienced English interviewer, dispelled some of the myths surrounding the complexity of Oxbridge interviews and reassured students that the interview, although important, is not the “be all and end all” of an application. Mike Nicholson emphasised that the interviewers will have “really taken an interest” in your personal statement and that interviewees should look to “go beyond their A-Levels” as “A*s and As do not make you stand out”.

The students who attended the event were enthusiastic and keen to question the speakers about their upcoming interviews. Yousuf Mohamed, who is applying to Cambridge to study Economics, said “the session was very useful and I appreciated how much time was spent answering our questions”.
After organising the event, the SMF have developed some ‘top tips’ for those students being interviewed for Oxbridge:

1. Re-read your personal statement before your interview
2. Revise your AS/A Level course so far
3. Make sure you are aware of the selection criteria for your course
4. Keep an eye on the news for subject-specific articles
5. Don’t be afraid to take time to think over difficult questions before answering

The SMF would like to say a huge thanks to Dr. Geoff Parks, Mike Nicholson, Lucinda Rumsey and Mark Copestake as well as current students; Madeleine, Safian and Helen for their help in making the event a success. Furthermore, we would like to thank Baker & McKenzie LLP and particularly Rebekkah Kinghorn for allowing the SMF to make use of their fantastic facilities for the event.

I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity by SMF to undertake a jam-packed internship and to share my experiences with a wonderful and encouraging mentor who has guided me through important stages of my education. I will definitely keep in touch with her outside of the mentoring scheme.

Yvonne, Legal Futures Mentee

Anneliese Day, Barrister, 4 New Square

Jenny, Legal Futures Mentee