How the Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme helped me secure a graduate role

At the University of Huddersfield, we prioritise creating an environment that prepares students for success in their future careers. Our Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme is an initiative designed to match students with industry professionals. This scheme supports students in transitioning from academia to the professional world. Through 1-2-1 mentorship, students gain invaluable skills to secure graduate roles and begin their professional journeys.

In this blog, we explore Harrison’s transformative journey on the Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme shedding light on his experience, the skills he gained, and the vital role the scheme played in securing his graduate job.

We also hear from Harrison’s mentor who highlights how the scheme has enhanced his own professional journey.

What drew you to the Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme?

When I first saw the announcement that the scheme was taking place, I knew that it would be beneficial to me during my final year of university. I was very aware of the importance of mentorship, having been directly and indirectly mentored in the past, throughout my career and academic journey. Although the selection of mentors on the scheme didn’t come from the field that my degree is in – Accounting and Finance, I understood the importance of building a network and making connections. The mentors taking part in this years’ scheme were from a range of different industries and stages in their careers. Therefore, I knew that all the mentors would have plenty of experience and knowledge that could aid my personal and professional development.

What experiences did you gain from being part of the Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme?

My experience on the scheme has been nothing but positive. At the beginning of the programme, I was slightly nervous about taking part, as it was out of my comfort zone. However, I knew it would be worth it.

Meeting all the different mentors at the Meet the Mentors event was a wonderful experience and many of the mentors provided fantastic advice to me before the pairing process had even taken place. After the first event, I was lucky enough to be paired with my first choice – a-Chartered Accountant with plenty of previous experience within the field, who now runs his own company in a different area.

What skills, knowledge, and benefits have you gained?

The most important skill I have developed whilst working with my mentor is the heightened industry knowledge I now have. My mentor shared personal stories and different situations that I am likely to face in my future career. This knowledge will stay with me and prepare me for my graduate job and beyond.

We had regular meetings which at first, had a focus on establishing which area of accounting and finance would be best for me. I was unsure of what career I wanted to work towards, however after we spent time exploring the options and my mentor shared his experiences, he helped me to decide that a career in audit was the best fit for me. My aim now is to complete the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales qualification to become a Chartered Accountant.

How did your mentor help you secure your graduate job?

Once we had narrowed options down to decide what role I was looking for, we set the most important goal of securing a graduate role. My mentor provided advice for when I was applying for roles and going for interviews. Unfortunately, I had been unsuccessful in applications to the larger accounting firms due to their competitive nature. However, due to my mentor’s connections and using my own initiative, I was able to secure an interview at one of the top firms in the local area. After preparing for the interview with some assistance from my mentor, I was successful in the interview and secured my role within the company!

What advice would you give to current students considering joining the Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme?

For any students that are considering joining the Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme, I say that you can only benefit from it. If you are unsure as to whether any of the mentors can help you, I can assure that all the mentors on the scheme are fully equipped with the expertise to guide your personal and professional development. Whether this is through providing industry knowledge or connections in a specific area, no matter what course you are studying or what field you would like to work in, the scheme can guide your transition from student to graduate.

The Student 2 Graduate Mentoring Scheme provides a fantastic opportunity to help students approach and enter the workplace in the most effective way. Upon meeting Harrison at the Meet the Mentors event, I learned about his aspirations of a career in finance and immediately thought I could help him; given my own experience and connections within the sector. Shortly after Harrison was assigned to me, at our first meeting we clarified what elements of finance interested him. We agreed on what would be the ideal professional qualifications to help him achieve these goals. We also reviewed his current approach to applying to prospective employers to make it as effective as possible. I introduced Harrison to several firms of Chartered Accountants, where I had suitable contacts that could potentially offer him a graduate training scheme. Happily, one of these introductions led to a job interview. Harrison and I met up again to talk through the interview process and agree on some strong answers to typical questions he may face. Following this, Harrison delivered a great interview, and we were both thrilled to hear that he was offered the position of a Trainee Chartered Accountant. Go for it Harrison!

- Mentor James Clarkson, CEO of Adventoris.