Making connections

My involvement as a UCL Alumni Mentor began as an International Ambassador for UCL's Institute of Education. The Ambassador program was an opportunity to connect with prospective and new students from the USA, answer questions they had, share with them my experience as a student and my career path.

When UCL merged with the Institute, it was a smooth transition to become involved in the UCL Alumni Online Mentoring Scheme, as there were a lot of similarities to my experience as an ambassador. I welcomed the opportunity to continue being a resource to prospective students, as well as connecting with other alumni.

What are the benefits of acting as a mentor?

Being a mentor has allowed me to be a resource to prospective students. I have been able to share my personal experience while a student in London, as well as my career path. I have also benefited from being able to connect and network with other alumni.

How do you think the scheme helps mentees?

The scheme provides a platform to connect with current and former students that can help them in their education and career path. They are able to connect with mentors from the same course of study and/or country, and develop a one-on-one relationship.

As an internationally-based alum, how does the online element of the scheme help you to participate?

The online element provides easy, constant access to a large network of alum from various program and countries. Rather than being limited to alumni from one college or program of study, I am easily able to log on and search for alum or opportunities that are of interest to me.

What has been your most positive experience?

Connecting one-on-one with a recent graduate who was seeking advice on employment opportunities. I was able to share with him the names of various organizations related to his interest in work, as well as offered to connect with him on LinkedIn and make introductions to connections to people I know. Without the online element of the Alumni Networking scheme, I would not have been able to connect with this graduate and provide some guidance that I hope was useful in his job search.

And finally, do you have any advice for someone who might be thinking of becoming a mentor?

My biggest advice is to listen to the mentee. You may have a wealth of information, knowledge or experience you want to share, but if it is not relevant to what the mentee wants to gain, it can turn them away. 

All UCL students and alumni can register for the UCL Alumni Online Community to search the alumni directory for a potential mentor from our pool of experienced alumni or volunteer to mentor the next generation of graduates.