Birkbeck’s Mentoring Pathways gives final-year students the opportunity to engage in a mentoring relationship with alumni and corporate volunteers. These mentoring relationships provide students with guidance, advice and support as they navigate the steps to their future careers and professional development goals.
Mentors are drawn from our Birkbeck graduates and corporate partners working in a diverse range of professions and industries. Current organisations and partnerships include PwC, Arts Council England, Clifford Chance, Goldman Sachs and North Highland.
Support Birkbeck’s diverse student community, particularly those with limited exposure to professional figures
Improve skills such as coaching and active listening
Connect with our community of corporate and alumni mentors
Develop vital skills to support your future career
Gain advice on identifying and achieving your goals
Expand your professional network
Mentors are required to attend a CPD-accredited training session in November
Mentors and mentees are hand-matched based on their interests and careers
Between December – June meet your mentee once a month for an hour-long mentoring session
Invitations to two events including a mid-programme feedback session and a celebration event to mark the end of the programme
Applications for Mentoring Pathways 2022/23 have now closed. Applications for Mentoring Pathways 2023/24 will open in Autumn 2023.
If you would like any further information about the programme, contact Emily Jeffery (Programme Lead) on e.jeffery@bbk.ac.uk
| 24 October 2022 | Mentee Applications Close |
| 7 November 2022 | Mentor Applications Close |
| 29 November – 2 December 2022 | Mentor Training Session (online) |
| 29 November – 2 December 2022 | Mentee Training Session (online) |
| Monday 5 December 2022 | Mentoring Matches Announced |
| Tuesday 21 February 2023 | Drop-in Clinic for participants |
| March 2023 | Mid-Programme Event |
| July 2023 | End of Programme Celebration Event |
“I chose to study at Birkbeck to pursue a new career direction, and my mentor really helped me by sharing insights into the career paths available to me. Mentoring Pathways gave me the opportunity to meet with a knowledgeable and supportive mentor who helped me gain a better understanding of where I wanted to go in my career.”
Calyn, Birkbeck Student
“My favourite thing about the mentorship programme was definitely meeting my mentor. It was great having somebody show me the insides of working in the industry and the kind of tools and skills I needed to increase my employability. It’s less intimidating jumping into a new industry when you have someone there to guide you and show you how to succeed”.”
Hannah, Birkbeck Student
“Through Mentoring Pathways, I gained a mentor who supported my transition to a new industry and gave me greater confidence pursuing my goals, both professional and personal. My mentor inspired me to define success on my own terms and to keep on seeking new opportunities to fulfil my ambitions outside of the confines of the workplace.”
Eystein, Birkbeck Student
“Mentoring offered me a fresh perspective on my life and career. It helped me take stock of my own progress to understand how I can help others realise their ambitions. I would recommend Mentoring Pathways to anyone – we often take for granted the knowledge we’ve gained through our careers, but sharing these experiences can really benefit students.”
Sophie, Mentor
“I decided to volunteer for Mentoring Pathways because I believe that it’s essential to invest in future talent, particularly to ensure better representation for women and individuals from minority ethnic groups in senior roles in my sector. Mentoring Pathways was an incredibly enriching experience that gave me the opportunity to motivate and guide my mentee on their career path.”
Annie, Mentor
“Mentoring Pathways empowered all volunteers to identify their strengths as a mentor, and I soon realised that several of the skills and networks that we take for granted can make a huge impact on a student’s career journey. Mentoring Pathways gave me the opportunity to see my work from a different point of view and support the development of a charming, dynamic, and engaging mature student.”
Christine, Mentor
