Career BridgeConnect, Share, Encourage

Mentoring

The Career Bridge mentoring programme run by the Careers Office in National College of Ireland has been designed as part of NCI’s campaign to enhance the employability skills of our students and improve the overall career prospects of our graduates.

The scheme will match HR professionals from industry with students taking NCI’s Masters in Human Resource Management.

The programme will provide students with:

. A valuable insight into working life and the skills and attributes required in an ever-changing labour market.

. An insight into a particular HR specialism and possible career paths within it.

. An opportunity to identify and improve their employability skills.

. Advice and guidance with career planning and the transition from college to work.

. Practical tips on planning a successful job search strategy and performing at interviews.

. An opportunity to build their professional network.

Commitment required from Mentors:

As a mentor you will assist and guide students in their career planning process and provide them with practical insights into the role of HR and the value that a high-performing strategic HR function can contribute. Students will be keen to get your opinion on what they plan to do after college, advice on the jobs market, possible opportunities within HR. They will also be very interested in how you arrived at where you are today in your career and will be keen to get your thoughts on the current trends in HR and how to network.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF YOU?The volunteer commitment is flexible but we ask that you:. Agree a contact schedule with your mentee at the start of the process. We do not set rules with regard to the frequency and length of your meetings. As a guideline, we advise four meetings lasting between 60 and 90 minutes over the course of the programme (January – May)

. Pre-establish methods and parameters for contact

. Provide the mentee with 1 – 2 days’ work shadowing experience with you or someone within your HR department.

. Complete a brief evaluation midway through the programme and at the conclusion

When does the programme run?

The project will run within a defined timescale which will be between January and May 2012.

Advantages for Mentor

Mentoring will provide you with an opportunity to contribute to the career development of an MA in Hu-man Resource Management student by sharing the knowledge you have acquired throughout your career. Your involvement will benefit you as the project allows you the opportunity to:

. Establish/re-establish a link with the NCI community.

. Network with other mentors/colleagues from your industry sector.

. Develop and practice coaching skills.

. Gain an understanding of the issues facing graduates as they embark on their career.

. Gain satisfaction from helping another individual to grow in confidence.

. Reflect on your own experiences from a new perspective.

. Keep up to date with academic developments in your line of business

. Develop your understanding of higher education today and the expectations of students coming into the workplace.. The opportunity to screen potential employees/interns.

Will students think I will secure them a job at my organisation?No. Students are aware that they are not to use the Mentor Programme to solicit employment opportunities from mentors. Although internships and informational interviews are possible outcomes of a mentoring relationship, employ-ment will not be expected. The purpose of the mentoring programme is merely to facilitate communication between you, the mentor and students regarding your career field.

How do I become involved?We welcome enquiries from those interested in becoming mentors and ask that in the first instance they contact Caro-line Kennedy, Careers Officer. Email ckennedy@ncirl.ie 01-4498526

Support for MentorsSupport for mentors will involve a number of elements:. Introductory networking and information session covering the mentoring process, the mentoring ‘contract’ and student expectations.. A telephone link to help with questions and any issues that may arise. . Contact with the Careers Officer throughout, to ensure the match is working well

SUGGESTED CHECKLIST FOR FIRST MEETING

The Mentoring Scheme:AimsContact FrequencyConfidentialityExpectations

Student led topics:Degree course Interests Career development plans Previous work experience Achievements

Mentor led topics: Education Career history Typical day Skills used Current employer Career goals

Potential topics for future discussion: Job search techniques CVs, cover letters, application formsSector requirements Work experience Disability & disclosure Typical work activities Good/bad aspects of HR profession Sources of relevant vacancies Social media – linkedin, twitter, facebook

TOPICS NOTES

www.ncirl.ie/careers

Contact DetailsCaroline KennedyCareers & Opportunities OfficerNational College of IrelandMayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1

Tel: +353 1 4498 526Email: ckennedy@ncirl.ieWeb: www.ncirl.ieLinkedin: http://ie.linkedin.com/in/carolinekennedynci