
The University of Aberdeen Career Mentoring Programme is a rewarding opportunity to be matched with an experienced professional to gain one-to-one employability advice, support and guidance in a specific profession and/or sector.
Why take part?
As a mentee you'll experience a wide range of benefits as a result of your mentoring partnership which could make a big difference to your life and your future career prospects.
Taking part in the Career Mentoring Programme will allow you to:
- Explore a particular profession or employment area
- Develop work-related skills and confidence
- Connect with a relevant professional to build effective career networks.
Successful participation in the Career Mentoring Programme can be recorded on your MySkills portfolio, a place where students can record and reflect on their activities, evidencing their progress and experiences during their time at the University.
"Getting into the Career Mentoring Programme was a gift to me. The insights I gained into my chosen field in engineering, working as an international and professional development have been unmatched to this day. If you are looking for something extra to give you the edge in your career development, I would highly recommend you join the Programme"
Edifon Udoh, MSc Subsea Engineering
What's involved?
The Career Mentoring Programme involves matching students with a suitable volunteer mentor in a relevant career area for a 3-month partnership.
If matched on the programme, it is your responsibility to:
- Commit to a minimum of 1-2 hours per month during the 3-month programme. We recommend a minimum of three meetings, approximately one per month.
- Register an account with SUMAC, the mentoring software platform.
- Communicate with your mentor in the agreed manner (e.g SUMAC, MS Teams, Zoom or email).
- Take the lead in arranging, keeping track of and recording interactions with your mentor.
- Be open to ideas and feedback and be motivated to improve your prospects and employability.
- Provide feedback to the Careers and Employability Service about the programme.
Prior to joining the mentoring programme you will be asked to complete an online information course (20-30 mins) providing more details on what will be involved and to understand the scheme and expectations. On completion of this, you will be able to access the application link.
The programme does not guarantee a work placement or future graduate employment.
Who is eligible to take part?
Undergraduate students from level 2 and above and postgraduate students from both the Aberdeen and Qatar campuses can participate. All participants must be over the age of 18 when the partnership commences.
When will the programme run?
In session 24/25, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from Monday 4th November for all students (except medical students). If your application is accepted and we can match you with a mentor, you will commence your three-month partnership at this point.
The final deadline for applications is 16th May 2025.
A separate MBChB programme will run in 2025 for medical students.
How do I apply?
To apply, you will need to complete an online information course (20-30 mins) and an application form.
Access the online information course at: https://bit.ly/40rCNwA
Further information
For further information about the Career Mentoring programme, have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you still have questions, please email mentor@abdn.ac.uk
We also have a range of resources to support mentors and mentees on the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the programme run and who is eligible to apply?
- What does the programme involve?
- Who are the mentors?
- Where are the mentors based?
- How long does the Career Mentoring Programme last?
- What is the application process?
- How are students matched to mentors?
- How much time would I spend taking part in the programme?
- I am nervous about meeting/contacting my mentor for the first time. What should I do?
- Do mentors have placements or graduate jobs available as part of the programme?
- Can I take part in the programme more than once?
- I haven't heard from my mentor for weeks. What should I do?