Could you be an In2science Mentor?
Starting university can be an exciting time, but it can also prove to be a nerve wracking experience, particularly if you’re not sure what to expect.
You may have remembered worrying about moving away from home for the first time or how you would budget and manage your finances. Or perhaps you wondered how to talk to your lecturers, what to wear on your first day, and how you were going to make new friends!
That’s why we’re inviting you to be a part of the In2scienceUK First Year of University Peer Mentoring Programme This year-long programme matches you with In2careers young people, who are about to start their university STEM undergraduate course in Autumn 2023
Read on to find out how you could join us in the role of In2scienceUK Peer Mentor, helping us to make an incredible difference, by supporting a younger version of you!.
Apply to be an In2scienceUK Peer Mentor
The deadline to apply is 02 October 2023
What does the programme involve?
As a mentor, you’ll be matched with an individual In2science Mentee, or a small group of mentees, in their first year of university.
Over the course of the 2023/24 academic year, you’ll have six meetings with your mentees to help them navigate questions like “What should I wear on my first day?”, “How do I prepare for my exams?” and “How do I make new friends?”
Plus, you’ll be invited to an in-person networking event in London in March 2024 where you can practise your networking skills and build those all-important connections.
Why should you be a mentor?
Being a mentor to a near peer is a great way to support a younger version of yourself as they navigate new chapters of life that you’ve already experienced. Your skills, talents, and ideas will reassure and benefit your mentees, as they transition to university life.
To join the programme, you don’t need previous experience as a mentor. You’ll receive training and support throughout the year on the skills needed to be a successful mentor, including leadership, organisation and communication skills. All of which will help you in the next phase of your own STEM journey.
Plus, you’ll be invited to a reflection session at the end of the programme, where we’ll cover how to talk about your new skills in your CV and at an interview.
The programme includes…
Mentoring
Provide mentoring to In2scienceUK Mentee(s) over the course of the academic year.
Training
Training on how to be a successful mentor. Plus, a reflection session at the end of the programme
Support
Resources, support and guidance from the In2careers Team throughout the year
Networking events
An in-person networking event in London in March 2024 to practise those all-important networking skills
Employability skills
Priority sign up to In2careers workshops. Plus all the skills you gain from completing the programme, such as problem-solving, team building, leadership and communication skills.
The In2scienceUK Peer Mentoring journey
Mentor applications open!
Mentor applications close
An online training session on how to be a mentor
You’ll find out who your mentees are and have an introductory meeting to get to know them!
Four online or in-person meetings with your mentees throughout the year to support them during their first year of university
An in-person networking event in London on 12th March 2024 to practise your networking skills and build those all-important connections
Final meeting with your mentees. Plus an opportunity to reflect on the skills you’ve learnt over the course of the year
Eligibility criteria:
- You must be aged 18 or over by 1 September 2023.
- You must have completed your first year of an undergraduate STEM degree at university.
- You must be entering your second year of university or beyond in Autumn 2023 (Please note, this opportunity is also open to In2careers participants who have graduated from university)
- You can be based anywhere in the UK, but In2science mentees will be attending London universities.
If you are new to In2scienceUK and haven’t taken part in one of our programmes before, you must also meet at least one of the additional criteria:
- Are you or have you been a recipient of Free School Meals in Year 11, or at sixth form?
- Are you a current recipient of an EMA, Pupil Premium or the 16-19 Bursary?
- Do you have parents or guardians who do not have a higher education degree?
- Do you or have you had experience with care, been in care, or caring responsibilities?
- Do you live in a POLAR Q1 or Q2 area?
Apply to be an In2scienceUK Peer Mentor
The deadline to apply is 02 October 2023
First Year of University Peer Mentoring Programme is generously supported by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington.