Employment mentors

squad

What is happening?

  • Introductions during reading week for second half mentorship
  • Half an hour a month, check in once a week
  • Complementary to employment curriculum

Who are they?

  • FAC alumni volunteers
  • Variety of backgrounds
  • Interested in helping you where possible
  • A variety of availabilities - some might prefer to help on an evening or weekend

What are employment mentors for?

  • Helping you prepare for life after FAC
  • Insights into the world of work
  • Connecting and facilitating growth

What are they not for?

  • Emotional support, beyond e.g. interview pep talks / debriefs
  • Doing things for you e.g. finding you jobs
  • Relying on after the course finishes

Planning

planning

Why plan?

  • You get out what you put in - proactivity is key
  • You are responsible for shaping the direction of this mentoring relationship, unless you agree otherwise with them directly
  • Having a clear idea of what you want to cover (and when) will keep your mentor feeling focussed and involved
    • But remember this relationship is collaborative and you will benefit from giving them space to input as well

Today's activity

List three priorities that you have as a starting point for your discussions with your mentor.

  • These could be short term (writing a fab CV), through to longer term.
  • Even if they can't help you directly, it will help them to have a picture of you and what you can see in your future.

Read the guidance for employment mentors and getting the most from mentors (see Resources) and make a note of anything that jumps out at you.

  • Write down anything that isn't included that you think might also be of value.
  • Mentors are not required to do anything in the guidance and might be unable to do certain things, e.g. they can't pair programme if their code base is confidential.

What personal milestones might you have over the second half of the course?

Use the course calendar if this helps to visualise it.

Week 9 Portfolio site
Week 10 CV
Week 11 Cover letter
Week 12 Job boards & recruiters (talent.io, Hired)
Week 13 Data structures
Week 14 Applications
Week 15 Tech tests (Codewars and Pramp)
Week 16 Interview prep
Week 17 Extracurricular skills
Week 18 The job offer

Discuss these and feedback with your partner.

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Resources

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