# Employment mentors  --- ## 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  ---- ### 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.  ---  --- ## Resources - [Employment mentor guidance](https://github.com/foundersandcoders/london-programme/blob/master/alumni-mentoring/employment-mentoring-guide.md) - [Guide to getting most out of a mentor](https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/10-tips-getting-most-from-mentor) - can ignore points 3 & 4 - [Course calendar](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=foundersandcoders.com_vj61npf33n0k56q6u67f3krje4%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Europe%2FLondon)