Bright Network mentoring scheme Review

I was matched with the mentor and we had questions to discuss. There were five 1 hour sessions on a weekly basis of which three were with my mentor. These were on presenting myself an writing CVs and the industry. My mentor looked at my LinkedIn profile and my CV , giving me suggestions on how to improve these. I was also sent links to talks to broaden my commercial awareness. It was an online programme and you could choose from marketing, finance and consulting.

I have learned about how to network. It is really about finding and reaching out to people either online or on person. I learned how to create a good impression and how to get employers to notice me. I also developed my communication skills as having someone who I barely knew to mentor me. This meant being engaging and focused was so important. Having done this, I feel able to hand in a good, well balanced Cv.

It was really useful to find out my mentor's journey from university to a graduate job to a different firm. I was sign posted to lots of different roles in the marketing industry to things I didn't even know existed. Everything was explained really clearly and there was always the option to ask for further clarification. Overall, I would say most certainly useful and helpful in understanding the business and potential roles available.

It was really friendly and a really supportive environment. There was always the option to email if I had questions and they were responsive. It was a calm environment and really stress free. I'm an anxious person but my mentor was really chill so I felt at ease. Overall, no issues at all. Everyone was friendly, supportive and responded to issues in a timely manner. Can not fault anyone at all in the slightest.

I throughly enjoy the experience. I really feel at the start of the programme I had a lot of questions regarding the marketing industry. Now, I feel empowered, aware of what roles are available and what companies I can see myself working at. Having reminders of each session was really useful especially with each emailing reminding me of key topics. I have no suggestions on how to improve the programme. I feel I got a lot out of it.

Yes

Make sure when you see the email, you apply as soon as you can. They ring you from a private number to confirm availability so make sure you pick up the phone. Make sure you choose the industry you want to learn more about. Yes, money and salary is important. But you need to be happy working. Go for the industry you are passionate about. Employees will see through this. So please don't fool yourself.