Westminster Business School’s rich connections in the industry played a big part on my decision when it comes to choosing the right university. One of the most appealing programmes to me is definitely mentor programme. It is rather unfortunate that not too many students applied during my application. I asked some of my classmates why they didn’t apply. They think that the mentoring programme is not as necessary as some might think and must involve heavy assignment load. Most of them prefer to apply internship programme instead. They think the value of getting an internship is way more than talking to a professional. From my point of view, they are equally essential. As you step into the society, you will find experience and connection both play significant roles on your career development. The mentor programme in University of Westminster is no doubt an extra bonus for international students, who just moved into a new country with few opportunities to being exposed in professional environment. The mentor programme is acting like a window and platform for you to know more about the working culture, environment and expertise, etc in UK.
Grab your first professional connection in UK and it may bring you gifts which you never thought.
I always appreciated that School assigned me to a fantastic mentor, who not only delivers marketing expertise but also lead me to UK culture as a friend. We get along very well. He has even offered me an internship in a PR agency. We often share our resources of marketing. I show him how marketing operates in China, while he shows me about UK working culture. Wonderful way to help each other grow.
Here are some tips to share with you when you are talking to you mentor. Hope it will help:
- 1. Be proactive. Being mentored is not like listening to a lecture. You should prepare what you want to know from mentor then tell him.
- 2. Show your ambitious side. There is no mentor who would like to mentor a student who has no ambition , no plan for his/her future. Tell him what’s your career plan and ask him to give you suggestions. He will be impressed by you.
- 3. Take mentor as a friend. Take it easy. Even if they are on the high level working professionals just don’t be timid. The more comfortable you talk, the more you will gain.
Always Remember: Instead of one way communication, mentoring is the process of mutual learning
This blog post is written by Minna Chen MA Marketing Communications Student
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