Mentor FAQs

How many mentees will I have?

• mentors are expected to work with one mentee at a time.

What does mentoring involve?
As a mentor you will be expected to assist and guide students in order to help them develop their employability prospects by:

• giving them an insight into the industry to increase their knowledge and develop their commercial awareness
• giving guidance and opportunities where possible to learn how to network
• sharing your knowledge and experience of your sector's recruitment processes
• sharing with your mentee, your experiences and advice on barriers they may face in the sector and how to overcome them
• encouraging and guiding them to find out who the top employers in the sector are
• encouraging and guiding them to find out about the attributes, qualities and skills sector employers are looking for.

What will be my time commitment?

Ideally contact with your mentee needs to be every two weeks for around one hour to ensure a consistent and continuous exchange of dialogue to build the relationship, set goals and work toward accomplishing them. Unless restricted by geographical location, in which case Skype should be used, mentors will be expected to meet face to face. Contact outside of the face to face meetings is expected via Skype, phone or email.

Where will I meet my mentee?

The mentoring meetings will take place at a location that is suitable and convenient for both parties. It is envisioned and hoped, depending on geographical location, that mentor meetings will take place with a combination of face-to face as well as using new technologies. The University premises or a local venue such as a café, library or a place of work. As a safeguarding precaution for both parties, mentoring should never take place at either the mentor's or mentee's home. The meeting places can be decided between you at the start of your relationship.

What if I have any problems with my mentee?

If, problems develop in the relationship with your mentee, please contact the Mentoring Development Officer and discuss the issue, concerns or problem. We will work together to find a solution which will result in the best outcome for both parties.

Will I receive any training?
There is no mandatory training, however if you feel it would be of benefit or if your self-assessment highlights an area where Nottingham Trent University feels you would benefit from training, the Mentoring Development Officer will contact you to discuss further.

Your mentor guide book and resource pack should give you all the information you need but the Mentoring Development Officer is there to support you, so please do not hesitate to get in contact with her.