Whether you’re stepping into the role of mentor or mentee, we are excited to have you on this mentoring journey! This handbook is designed to support you as you begin what we hope will be an enriching and transformative experience for both of you.
For mentors, this is a rewarding opportunity to share your experiences, offer valuable insights, and help shape the future of the next generation. Through mentoring, you’ll not only pass on your knowledge but also strengthen your own skills, boost your confidence, and expand your professional network.
For mentees, mentoring provides you with access to a wealth of expertise, giving you the chance to ask career-specific questions and gain first-hand insights into how the professional world operates. It’s a unique opportunity to develop a clearer sense of direction for your future and build confidence in your own capabilities.
Having experienced both roles myself, I can confidently say that mentoring opens doors to new ideas and allows for meaningful, creative conversations. Whether you’re sharing your wisdom or seeking guidance, mentoring is a space for growth, curiosity, and building confidence in your path forward.
Throughout the program, I’m here to support you—whether through resources like this handbook, regular meet-ups, or via email. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Best of luck on your mentoring journey, and I look forward to seeing you at an in-person event soon.
Jessica Carey
Mentoring Coordinator
Key Points for a Successful Mentoring Experience
Confidentiality
Your mentoring relationship is a special space for open and honest conversations. Everything you discuss during your sessions should remain between you and your mentoring partner. As the coordinator, I will review the session feedback you submit through the platform to ensure your meetings are running smoothly and to offer any additional support you may need. Rest assured, these reviews are confidential, and your comments will never be shared publicly without your explicit permission. If you’d like to share a quote for promotional purposes, we’ll always check with you first.
Occasionally, mentors may share valuable insights or information from their workplace, such as key skills or interview tips. Please be mindful of any sensitive or commercial material shared during your discussions.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable or something concerning is disclosed, please don’t hesitate to inform me right away. In case of an emergency, remember to call 999 immediately.
Staying in Touch
You and your mentoring partner have the flexibility to schedule your sessions at times that are convenient for both of you. The mentoring platform’s messaging function makes it easy to coordinate your meetings and stay connected. You can also use email to communicate and plan your sessions.
Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face or virtually, you can choose the format that works best for your schedules. While you have the freedom to decide on meeting times, we do recommend avoiding weekends or very early/late sessions to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
For in-person meetings, please choose a public space or a workplace setting to ensure the safety and comfort of both of you. To protect the professionalism of your mentoring relationship, avoid private homes or less suitable locations, like pubs.
“The mentoring experience has been very useful for me to figure out what my plan is after university. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who need some guidance.” –Mentee 2023.
Social Media
Feel free to share your mentoring journey on social media! Whether it’s a photo or a quote from your experience, just be sure to check with your mentoring partner first to make sure they’re comfortable and that nothing sensitive is being shared. We encourage the use of LinkedIn, as it aligns with the professional nature of this program. Please avoid sharing personal details or connecting via social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram—let’s keep the focus on building a professional relationship.
Responsibility and Professionalism
By joining this mentoring program, you are committing to act with professionalism and responsibility toward both your mentoring partner and the program itself. For students, remember that you’re representing not only yourself but also Bath Spa University when communicating with or visiting employers.
Building strong, meaningful relationships is at the heart of mentoring, but remember to only share information that is relevant and useful for your professional and career development.
Mentors may not have all the answers immediately, and that’s okay. If they need time to consult with colleagues or direct you to other resources, please be patient and view it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding together.
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction” – John Crosby
What mentoring is and expectations of role
The true beauty of mentoring lies in the positive impact it has on everyone involved. Whether it’s peer-to-peer mentoring, reverse mentoring, group sessions, or traditional one-on-one mentoring, each format offers invaluable opportunities for knowledge-sharing and personal growth.
Our MentorMe program focuses on one-to-one mentoring, with optional group networking opportunities throughout the journey. No matter the setting, the exchange of insights, experiences, and support is what makes mentoring such a powerful tool for development.
Mentors play a key role in:
• Sharing their knowledge and experiences
• Offering career advice
• Providing insights into various industries
• Opening up their networks when appropriate
• Listening attentively to their mentee
• Asking thoughtful questions
• Maintaining curiosity
• Being patient—some students may face additional challenges or feel nervous
• Attending scheduled meetings and maintaining regular contact
• Keeping conversations confidential, and only sharing on social media with both parties’ consent
Mentees have a vital role in:
• Coming prepared with a plan of action (identifying goals to work towards and key themes to explore before mentoring begins)
• Being respectful and professional
• Listening carefully to advice and feedback
• Completing any agreed-upon tasks
• Attending meetings and staying in regular contact
• Remaining open to constructive feedback
• Asking questions with curiosity and creativity
• Utilising your mentor’s insights and networks, but also taking the initiative to do your own research
• Keeping discussions confidential, and only sharing on social media with mutual consent
How mentoring works
Eligibility and Sign-Up
All undergraduates, taught postgraduates, and recent graduates are welcome to participate in the MentorMe program. The program runs from November through until May and you can sign up at any point (though the later you sign up, the more regular your meetings will need to be to ensure an effective mentoring relationship within a shorter time frame).
To sign up as a mentee, simply access the MentorMe resource through My Career. (Further details on how to sign up can be found in the next chapter of this handbook.) The resource consists of some videos and information regarding mentoring, followed by a short skills assessment. The skills assessment is a vital task to complete pre-mentoring to allow mentees to begin to identify skills they’d like to develop during the mentoring process. Once the skills assessment has been completed, mentees will be able to access the link to sign up to the mentoring platform.
To sign up as a mentor, the link can be found via the Bath Spa University website.
Matching and First Steps
The mentee takes the lead in the matching process, selecting a mentor based on compatibility as suggested within the mentoring platform. Once the mentoring relationship is approved by the coordinator, both mentor and mentee can begin communicating through the platform’s messaging function. We encourage mentees to take the initiative by sending the first introductory message—just a friendly hello and a bit about yourself is a great way to start!
After this, you can plan your first meeting, which can be either virtual or in person— whichever suits you both best. (For ideas on how to structure your meetings, see Appendix A.)
Meeting Frequency and Flexibility
We recommend that mentors and mentees aim to meet once a month over a period of five to six months. However, this schedule is flexible—if you prefer to meet more or less frequently, or over a longer timeframe, feel free to adjust as needed. The most important thing is that the arrangement works for both of you.
Eligibility and Sign-Up
All undergraduates, taught postgraduates, and recent graduates are welcome to participate in the MentorMe program. The program runs from November through until May and you can sign up at any point (though the later you sign up, the more regular your meetings will need to be to ensure an effective mentoring relationship within a shorter time frame).
To sign up as a mentee, simply access the MentorMe resource through My Career. (Further details on how to sign up can be found in the next chapter of this handbook.) The resource consists of some videos and information regarding mentoring, followed by a short skills assessment. The skills assessment is a vital task to complete pre-mentoring to allow mentees to begin to identify skills they’d like to develop during the mentoring process. Once the skills assessment has been completed, mentees will be able to access the link to sign up to the mentoring platform.
To sign up as a mentor, the link can be found via the Bath Spa University website.
Matching and First Steps
The mentee takes the lead in the matching process, selecting a mentor based on compatibility as suggested within the mentoring platform. Once the mentoring relationship is approved by the coordinator, both mentor and mentee can begin communicating through the platform’s messaging function. We encourage mentees to take the initiative by sending the first introductory message—just a friendly hello and a bit about yourself is a great way to start!
After this, you can plan your first meeting, which can be either virtual or in person— whichever suits you both best. (For ideas on how to structure your meetings, see Appendix A.)
Meeting Frequency and Flexibility
We recommend that mentors and mentees aim to meet once a month over a period of five to six months. However, this schedule is flexible—if you prefer to meet more or less frequently, or over a longer timeframe, feel free to adjust as needed. The most important thing is that the arrangement works for both of you.
Training and Preparation
Before your first meeting, we ask that both mentors and mentees access the training materials available in the training folder on the mentoring platform. The mentoring coordinator will regularly check to ensure these resources have been accessed and will follow up with those who may need a reminder. These materials will help you get the most out of your mentoring relationship!
Reflective Logs
Throughout your mentoring journey, you can keep track of your meetings and progress by completing reflective logs, which can be found in the Activity Log section of MentorMe on the mentoring platform. Both mentors and mentees can access these logs, and they are stored within the mentoring relationship section on your dashboard. These logs serve several purposes:
1. They provide a record of your meetings and key discussion points.
2. They help ensure clear actions and goals are set for the next meeting.
3. They outline who is responsible for any follow-up tasks.
4. They serve as a reference before your next meeting to refresh your memory on what was previously discussed.
Additionally, these logs can be used to track progress toward your goals and may even help you in writing job applications by showcasing your development.
Sharing Documents
There is also a document-sharing feature where you can upload and exchange useful materials with your mentor or mentee. For example, you might share interesting articles, CV examples, or other career-related resources.
Ending the Mentoring Relationship
At some point, the formal mentoring relationship will come to a close. When that time comes, it’s entirely up to you and your mentor whether you’d like to stay in touch beyond the program. If you decide to formally conclude the mentoring relationship, the mentor will be responsible for ending it on the platform.
The Mentor Net platform
Getting Started with the Mentoring Platform
To begin your mentoring journey, both mentors and mentees need to register on the mentoring platform. Once you’ve signed up, the mentoring coordinator will review your profile to ensure it’s detailed, professional, and appropriate. Once your profile is approved, mentees can start searching for a mentor.
How the Matching Process Works
The platform uses advanced AI technology to help match mentees with the most suitable mentors. By scanning for common skills, keywords, and developmental needs, the platform suggests potential mentors based on compatibility. It’s designed to highlight those who are best suited to support your goals, showing the highest compatibility score first.
Mentees can then browse through the suggested mentor profiles and select one to request a match. From there, the mentoring coordinator will review the proposed match to ensure it’s a good fit, and either approve or suggest an alternative.
Accessing the Platform
You can access the mentoring platform from your desktop or through the MentorNet app, making it easy to stay connected and organised wherever you are.
What’s Inside the Platform
Within the platform, you’ll find all the resources you need to guide you through your mentoring journey, including:
• Training materials to help you prepare for each stage of the mentoring relationship
• Reflective log templates to support you with keeping track of your meetings
• Up-to-date news and blog posts offering insights and tips for personal and professional development
• Contact details for the mentoring coordinator, who is available to support you whenever needed
Whether you’re just starting or further along in your mentoring relationship, the platform is designed to help you every step of the way.
Key topics and themes
Mentoring can cover a wide range of topics, tailored to your specific goals and interests. While the focus may evolve over time, here are some common themes that often come up during mentoring conversations. Feel free to explore these or introduce your own ideas as your relationship develops:
• Industry Insights Gain an insider’s perspective on the industry, including trends, challenges, and career opportunities.
• Mock Interviews Practice interview skills with your mentor, who can offer valuable feedback and tips for improvement.
• Strengths and Areas for Development Reflect on your strengths and identify areas for growth to help you reach your career goals.
• Workplace Skills Discuss the key skills needed for success in the workplace, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and adaptability.
• Networking Strategies
• Learn how to build and maintain professional relationships that can supportyour career development.
• Social Media and Personal Branding Explore how to use platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional online presence and showcase your personal brand.
• Building Relationships Understand the importance of relationship-building within your career and how to create meaningful, professional connections.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI) Topics Discuss EDI issues, exploring how they impact the workplace and your career path.
• Technology in the Role Learn about the role of technology in your field and how you can leverage it for career growth.
• Approaching Employers
• Get advice on how to approach employers for work experience, internships,or professional connections.
• Professional Bodies and Networks Discover relevant professional associations and networks that can help you advance in your career.
Remember, this list is just a starting point! Your mentoring discussions can adapt over time as your needs and interests evolve. The key is to stay open, curious, and flexible throughout the mentoring journey.
“I thoroughly enjoyed mentoring such a passionate mentee who was willing to learn and develop. I would most certainly mentor again.” -Mentor, class of ’24.
Student support
Throughout your mentoring journey, it’s natural for some personal topics to arise. While we do not expect mentors to act as mental health counsellors, we do encourage them to guide students toward appropriate support resources offered by the university if any concerns come up. It’s essential that the project coordinator is informed of any issues affecting either the mentor or mentee, as this allows us to provide the best possible support.
We also encourage students to share any key information, such as disabilities, at the beginning of the mentoring relationship. This transparency helps mentors understand your unique needs and ensures a more productive and supportive experience from the start.
University Support Resources Here’s a list of university support services available to you:
• Project Coordinator Jess can be reached at mentoring@bathspa.ac.uk for any project-related concerns or questions.
• Student Wellbeing Services For emotional and mental health support, the Student Wellbeing Services team is here to help.
• Emergency Situations In the event of an immediate emergency or risk to life, please prioritise safety by contacting emergency services at 999. In such cases, confidentiality may need to be broken to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Careers Service
The Careers Service is here to provide you with general career support. We understand that mentors may not be experts in every area, so we encourage you to utilise your mentoring sessions for in-depth discussions about your specific career interests. The Careers Service can assist you with the following resources:
• CV Writing Use our new tools on MyCareer to craft an impressive CV or book an appointment with one of our fabulous career coaches.
• One-on-One Guidance Schedule a chat with our coaches for personalised career guidance and support.
• Placement Team Reach out to our placement team for answers to any queries you may have about internships or placements.
• Business Startup Team If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, our enterprise team can provide valuable advice and resources.
• Internships and Work Experience Explore opportunities for internships to gain practical experience in your field.
The careers service is easily contactable via MyCareer mycareer.bathspa.ac.uk
Remember, the goal of mentoring is to foster your personal and professional growth. Don’t hesitate to tap into these university resources to maximise your mentoring experience!
FAQs
For Mentees
1. How do I sign up for the mentoring program? You can sign up through the MentorMe resource on My Career. Detailed instructions can be found in the handbook.
2. How will I be matched with a mentor? The platform uses AI technology to suggest mentors based on compatibility, skills, and developmental needs. You can then review their profiles and request a match.
3. What should I do if I feel uncomfortable with my mentor? It’s important to communicate openly. If you feel uncomfortable or if any issues arise, please reach out to the mentoring coordinator for support.
4. What topics should I discuss with my mentor? Topics can vary widely, including industry insights, career development, networking strategies, and more. Feel free to explore what’s most relevant to you! See the suggested structure of meetings (appendix A) for ideas on how to structure conversations.
5. How often should I meet with my mentor? We recommend meeting once a month for five to six months, but this can be adjusted based on what works best for both of you.
6. Can I change my mentor if it’s not a good fit? Yes, if you feel that your mentoring relationship isn’t working, you can request a new match. It’s perfectly okay to feel that a relationship isn’t right. Politely explain to the mentor and request that the relationship ends. If you require support to end this relationships, please contact the mentoring coordinator on mentoring@bathspa.ac.uk.
7. What if I have a disability or other personal considerations? It’s helpful to share any key information with your mentor at the start of the relationship so they can better support you but this is your choice. Reach out to the mentoring coordinator on mentoring@bathspa.ac.uk or student wellbeing services on +44 (0)1225 876543 if you have any questions around how the university can support you.
8. What resources are available to me through the university? The university offers various resources, including career services, wellbeing support, and training materials accessible on the mentoring platform.
For Mentors
1. What are my responsibilities as a mentor? As a mentor, you’ll share knowledge, provide guidance, listen actively, and help your mentee set and achieve their goals.
2. How can I best support my mentee? Foster open communication, encourage questions, and provide constructive feedback. Tailor your support to their individual needs and aspirations.
3. What if my mentee shares personal concerns? While you’re not expected to act as a mental health counsellor, you should listen empathetically and direct them to appropriate university resources if necessary.
4. How do I establish rapport with my mentee? Start by having a friendly introductory conversation. Show genuine interest in their goals and experiences to build a strong foundation for your relationship.
5. How often should I meet with my mentee? Regular meetings, ideally once a month, are encouraged, but flexibility is key. Adjust the frequency based on what works for both of you.
6. What should I do if I feel unqualified to answer my mentee’s questions? It’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers! Encourage your mentee to seek additional information or refer them to other resources or contacts.
7. Can I share my mentee’s information or discussions on social media? Confidentiality is crucial. You should only share information with consent and focus on maintaining a professional relationship.
8. What should I do if I don’t feel that the mentoring relationship is the right fit? This is not a problem! Just explain politely to the mentee that you feel they would be better suited being mentored by somebody else and end the mentoring relationship. If you’d like support to end the relationship, please contact the mentoring coordinator on mentoring@bathspa.ac.uk.
9. Who can I contact for support as a mentor? You can reach out to the mentoring coordinator at mentoring@bathspa.ac.uk for any questions or concerns throughout your mentoring experience.
Mentor Me Bitesize is our focused, accelerated mentoring program specifically designed to support recent graduates as they transition into the workforce. The mentoring process follows the same principles as our standard program, with a key difference in meeting frequency.
For the Bitesize program, we recommend that mentors and mentees meet more regularly—either once a week or every two weeks—over a two-month period. While we encourage this pace for an enriched experience, we also offer flexibility to accommodate your schedules. Ideally, the mentoring relationship should conclude by Christmas to align with the program’s timeline.
If, as a mentor, you feel you cannot commit to this more intensive mentoring format, please make sure to indicate this clearly on your profile.
Work with us
Mentoring is just one of many exciting ways to connect with us! There are numerous opportunities for you and your business to engage with students while establishing a strong pipeline of talented graduates. Here are some fantastic ways to raise your profile among students and showcase your organisation:
• Host Internships or Placements Provide students with valuable hands-on experience by offering internships or placements within your company
• Participate in Job Fairs Set up a stand at job fairs to interact directly with students and share information about available opportunities.
• Engage at Employer in the Foyer Meet students face-to-face during our Employer in the Foyer events, where you can discuss your company and career pathways.
• Advertise Job Openings on MyCareer Post your job vacancies on the MyCareer platform to attract motivated students eager to join your team.
• Speak on Panels or Present to Classes Share your insights and experiences by participating in panels or guest lectures, inspiring students with real-world knowledge.
• Collaborate on Live Briefs Work with our students on live briefs to see firsthand how they approach problem-solving and generate innovative ideas for your business.
• Explore More Opportunities For additional ways to connect and collaborate, visit our website for more information.
By engaging with our students, you not only enhance their learning experience but also help foster a future workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for success.
Appendix a – suggested structure of meetings.
Meeting 1: Introductions, setting expectations and SMART goals.
Suggested duration: 1 hour
• Ice breakers / introductions. Who you are, what you do, what are your interests?
• Set expectations for the mentoring relationship (roles, boundaries, frequency of meetings, preferred communication methods, confidentiality)
• Discuss what both would like to gain from the mentoring relationship to ensure suitability of the match
• Discuss the mentee’s career goals, interests, and challenges
• Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for the mentoring journey. We recommend a minimum of three and a maximum of five.
Actions before meeting 2:
• Mentor to suggest any resources / research for initial ideas.
• Mentee to consider an action plan for first SMART goal.
Meeting 2: SMART goal 1, career exploration and skill development
Suggested duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Follow up on actions from previous meeting. Did mentee explore resources / research? Which is the first SMART goal the mentee has created an action plan for?
• Explore SMART goal 1 – how will it be achieved? What support is required? Discuss strategies to achieve the goal.
• Delve into career aspirations further, identify skills required vs. current skills and how to develop these skills.
• Mentor to share any specific insights into industry of interest.
Actions before meeting 3:
• Mentee to start working on SMART goal 1 by following up with agreed actions (e.g. taking a course, networking, drafting a CV/application, researching a specific topic.)
• Mentor to consider anything they need to do to support SMART goal 1.
Meeting 3: Reviewing SMART goal 1, SMART goal 2, and Professional Relationships
Suggested duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Follow up on actions from previous meeting. Did mentee complete any tasks to work towards SMART goal? Did mentor have any suggestions for anything further? Assess progress towards goal.
• Explore SMART goal 2 – how will it be achieved? What support is required? Discuss strategies to achieve the goal.
• Explore the importance of networking in career advancement and discuss building and maintaining professional relationships within the industry of interest. Develop a networking strategy (e.g. LinkedIn, industry events).
• Mentor to suggest any relevant networks (if appropriate).
Actions before meeting 4:
• Mentee reflect on progress towards SMART goal 1.
• Mentee to begin working on SMART goal 2 by following up with agreed actions (e.g. taking a course, networking, drafting a CV/application, researching a specific topic.)
• Mentor to consider anything they need to do to support progress towards goals.
• Mentor to suggest any potential connections / contacts.
Meeting 4: SMART goal 2 & 3, problem solving and career challenges
Suggested duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Follow up on actions from previous meeting. Did mentee complete any tasks to work towards SMART goal? Did mentor have any suggestions for anything further? Assess progress towards goal.
• Explore SMART goal 3 - how will it be achieved? What support is required? Discuss strategies to achieve the goal.
• Explore any challenges the mentee is facing or anticipates they may face. How could these be overcome? How does the mentee feel about problem solving?
• Discuss resilience and adaptability in the workplace.
Actions before meeting 5:
• Mentee reflect on progress towards SMART goals 1 & 2.
• Mentee begin working on SMART goal 3 by following up with agreed actions (e.g. taking a course, networking, drafting a CV/application, researching a specific topic.)
• Mentor to consider progress towards all goals. How do they feel the mentee is doing? What further resources / ideas could they suggest?
Meeting 5: SMART goal 3, feedback and continuous improvement
Suggested duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Follow up on any actions from previous meeting. Did mentee complete any tasks to work towards SMART goal? Did mentor have any suggestions for anything further? Assess progress towards all 3 goals.
• Identify any goal(s) which need further work. Explore what needs to be done to achieve these goals. Adjust as needed for the final part of the program.
• Provide mutual feedback on the mentoring process so far.
Actions before meeting 6:
• Mentee to implement any feedback for further improvement
• Mentor to offer final tips and prepare for wrapping up the program
Meeting 6: Progress, reflection and next steps
Suggested duration: 1 hour
• Assess progress towards SMART goals. Celebrate successes, key milestones and development!
• Reflect on the overall mentoring journey and both the mentor’s and the mentee’s growth.
• Discuss the mentee’s next steps after the mentoring program ends.
