Enterprise > Industry Mentors Programme: Overview

Industry Mentors Programme

page-image

Overview

Space to Influence

Bath Spa University is keen to develop opportunities for students to receive expert advice, guidance and access to business practices from organisations in their chosen career field. In return, we welcome the chance to support our local business community and explore ways in which the university could add value.

Our Aim

At Bath Spa University our mentoring programme delivers a career and work-related experience to students, providing opportunities to network and learn from people in industry. Our aim is to raise a student’s sights and broaden horizons in terms of career or learning goals whilst also developing knowledge, skills and personal qualities that are valued by employers. It also offers a way for our students to bridge the gap between university and employment.

What do we mean by mentoring?

The relationship between mentor and student is very much student-centred, with a focus on their professional and personal development.  The mentor may be asked to give advice or information, help to establish facts, or sign-post the student to relevant contacts or resources.  Whatever the techniques used by the mentor, the emphasis is on enabling and empowering the student to take ownership of their own development. In Bath Spa University’s mentoring programme, the role of the mentor is to:

  • Listen effectively and demonstrate empathy
  • Be understanding in a non-judgemental way
  • Impart knowledge about organisation(s), occupations and informal networks
  • Offer different perspectives, drawing on own experience when appropriate
  • Offer support and encouragement
  • Discuss current issues in the industry sector
  • Take the lead and make suggestions at the early stages of the relationship

 and to encourage the student to:

  • Listen actively and clarify understanding
  • Review and reflect on self
  • Consider different perspectives; challenge and change assumptions
  • Develop and manage a career plan and take responsibility for own development

Our mentors generally commit to engaging with their student mentee for six to nine months with regular contact suited to the needs of both parties.  Typically, principal contact is through regular meetings of an hour’s duration.  However, other methods could include shadowing, meetings, telephone and email contact.

Our mentoring programme is flexible and responsive and takes a realistic approach. Each individual mentoring relationship is different according to the needs and objectives according of the student.

Students selected for mentoring will have developed a fairly clear idea of their preferred career and will be using the mentoring relationship to substantiate and fine-tune their decisions.  The experience should also serve to improve their confidence and strategies for effectively entering the marketplace.

All of our mentors and mentees have a named liaison contact at the university throughout the mentoring period.

Mentoring opportunities are currently open to our second year and final year undergraduate students.