The ADBE Industry Mentoring Programme is a 3-month programme targeted at our final year undergraduate and postgraduate students in the school of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. Students who apply to the programme are matched with one of our Alumni Industry Fellows - NTU alumni and industry partners who work in a relevant field and who have agreed to volunteer their time to support NTU students.
Students and mentors receive an initial briefing and are given a mentoring guide including resources to help them make the most of the mentoring experience. Once they have been matched up, the students and mentors will arrange to meet regularly, with a minimum of 5 contact hours expected. This year the programme ran between January and April. Mentors can support students with a wide range of topics including building their commercial awareness, developing their career plans, giving them insights into the world of work, advising them on jobhunting and CVs, helping them to set personal and professional targets, and increasing their confidence, motivation and networking skills.
For the 2024 project, we successfully matched 63 NTU students with Alumni and Industry Fellows. The feedback was very positive, with levels of employability confidence increasing by 14% between the start and end of the programme. The areas with the highest increase in confidence were "I have access to a network of people and contacts who will be helpful to me in my future career" and "I feel confident to create professional relationships either online or in person" - both statements seeing a 50%+ increase in confidence levels.
"The 2024 ADBE Industry Mentoring programme has been an extremely positive experience for over 60 of our final year students, helping them to create valuable industry connections and benefit from unique insights, advice and mentoring support which has given them a real boost as they prepare for the next steps of their career. We are extremely grateful to all of our Alumni and Industry Fellows for giving their time and expertise to support our students and look forward to the programme continuing to grow and develop.
Chris Jones, School Employability Manager, ADBE
Student story: Kafasis Konstantinos
Why did you get involved with the mentoring programme?
As I was studying in the NTU towards an MSc in Construction Management, I felt nervous and uncertain about my employability and future career. I was questioning how my degree would align with my career prospects and in what positions I could be in the construction industry. I needed insight from people who have worked in the industry to reassure me about these things and to boost my confidence.
How did your mentor help you?
It was the perfect time when I met my mentor, as I had my first interview for a job. The moment I got his contact details, I emailed him and we talked for over an hour on the phone, as I would have the interview the next week. He guided me on how I should approach the interview, informed me about the company, which he knew, and told me to focus on being real and honest, and that was the most important part.
With his help, I got the position and we rescheduled a meeting so I could thank him and discuss my next steps, and any questions I had regarding the construction industry, which I was about to enter.
What are your future plans?
To develop in the company I am right now, (Balfour Beatty), and become a professional engineer with valuable knowledge.
What advice would you give to a future student considering taking part in the mentoring programme?
There is nothing you can lose, you can only gain. Speaking with people who have knowledge and experience is the best thing you can give to you at this moment.
Student story: Louis Kamphete
Why did you get involved with the mentoring programme?
I got involved in the mentoring programme because as an International student I needed to understand the UK construction Industry beyond just academically, especially because my intention has always been to work and gain experience in UK.
How did your mentor help you?
My mentor helped me understand both general and finner details of the UK construction industry for early careers. My passion and ambition increased by each meeting I had with him. He encouraged me to ask and research more. He connected me to different companies and I managed to land on a job. He has been my compus direction.
What are your future plans?
My future plan is to work here in the UK and gain experience whilst giving my expertise and value to the organisation I work for. I have learnt a lot in class with many hands-on workshops, gained some mentorship, I need to put both of these in practice at work and grow in my career.
What advice would you give to a future student considering taking part in the mentoring programme?
I would encourage them. I would say "go for it, you never know what or who may help kicktart your career." I would further say, It's always good practice to have someone who can lead the way for you or open your eyes before you can walk on your own.
Mentor story: Colin
Colin is an Alumni Fellow on the Alumni and Industry Fellowship Programme, he recently became a gold badge holder after volunteering over 50 hours of his time to the students at NTU. Colin is a retired Construction Executive previously having worked for companies such as Morgan Sindall, Kier and Interserve.
Both Kostas and Louis have been great to work with and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of supporting them as they launch their careers within quality organisations and coaching them in CV, interview technique and industry culture.
Contact Chris Jones, our School Employability Manager to find out more about our ADBE Industry Mentoring Programme.