Amplify is a mentoring scheme by University of Glasgow, pairing University of Glasgow undergraduate students in the College of Science and Engineering with industry mentors. It is open to students from under-represented groups in these areas of study, to encourage continued success, provide insight into possible career paths, and nurture ambition.
Can you help?
Are you a graduate in Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering, Geographical and Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics or Physics & Astronomy, or do you currently hold a role in one of these areas? Are you willing to share your experience and passion with a student who may benefit from a personal connection with an industry professional? Join us by becoming a mentor!
Benefits to mentors:
- To gain experience of coaching and mentorship to facilitate your own professional development and success.
- To work with talented students and contribute to their success.
- To ‘give back’ in a way which encourages students from under-represented groups to aim for senior research roles, thus increasing diversity in industry.
Commitment required from mentors:
Mentors and students will commit to 30 minutes per month to meet online for one year, and mentors commit to completing online training provided in advance of the first meeting. Meeting more often than this is encouraged, but is dependent on the preference of both parties. Guidance will be provided to facilitate productive and meaningful discussions. In addition, it is intended that a number of structured activities will be delivered (for example, these could include an industry-challenge based hackathon, leadership training, mock interviews, presentation skills, and a PhD information event), and you may be invited to contribute to these.
What is not expected of mentors:
Mentors are not expected to know about academic programmes or student support services at the University of Glasgow: each student has an advisor of studies who can provide the student with information and advice in this regard. Mentors should be understanding of the mentees circumstances and experience, but may not have direct similar experience, and recruitment of mentors is not restricted to under-represented groups. The role of the mentor is as a point of contact already working in a profession of interest to the student, who can discuss career plans, their own career path and motivations, as well as provide encouragement and perspective on life beyond undergraduate studies.
Support for mentors:
A handbook is provided for mentors/mentees which fully details expectations, level of commitment and other requirements. An online training module is provided for mentors, and evaluation of how well the scheme is working for both mentors and students is embedded throughout the programme. Mentors can contact the scheme co-ordinator at any time with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Interested?
To register your interest, get in touch with the team at [email protected] . Once the team have received expressions of interest you will be asked to complete a short registration form to allow them to match mentors to students.