Clare Hooper applied to MentorSET while she was completing her MEng in Computer Science at Southampton University. She was about to embark upon a 4 year EngD course, sharing her time between Southampton University and a large international computing company.
Working in industry would be a new adventure for Clare and she wanted to find out more about the working culture in industry and in particular this company. She also realised that she would need to choose between academia and business at the end of her doctorate and so wanted a mentor who could also help her to think through the options.
Clare attended a MentorSET workshop for new mentors and mentees. She says "It was an ace intro to how mentoring works, how best to go about the process and, vitally, what to expect!"
MentorSET was able to find Clare a mentor who already worked at the company. MentorSET normally provides mentors from external organisations who can provide a different prospective and so that confidential matters can be discussed without the worry that they may get back to management. However, having examined Clare's reasons for wanting a mentor, one already working at the organisation seemed the best option. Clare found this very reassuring, "starting in any new job is a bit scary, of course. It was nice to know there was a friendly face there".
The mentoring partnership has now been in place for 18 months. Initially Clare's mentor was able to help her adjust to the working environment and more recently Clare has discussed long term career plans with her mentor. They exchange email as and when necessary and meet to touch base and discuss issues every quarter.
Clare is now concentrating upon completing her doctorate. She doesn't need the support of a mentor as much at the moment but knows where help can be found if necessary.