What did you learn from your first year of mentoring with Michelle?

During my first year mentoring with Michelle, she gave me advice on my next stage of education. We discussed what I wanted to do after I finished college looking at possible events to give me clarity on which options were best suited for me. We also looked at all the subjects I like and talked about why I enjoyed it and if I could see myself studying them in the long term. She helped me recognise my interest in digital marketing and recruitment. We also discussed a work experience opportunity that I could do in TFL in the marketing department.

What made you want to be mentored again?

I wanted to be mentored again because once the programme finished, I felt I wasn’t done with my progression with Michelle. I really enjoyed the open communication and observation and advice I received and I wanted to continue it.

Was there something ‘big’ you were facing that you asked your mentor to help you with? Did you make progress? How did that feel?

One thing that I struggled with at the beginning of the program was confidence in myself and in my future career. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I finished school and I felt like I had no plan which would force me to make a rushed decision that I would regret. Throughout my conversations with Michelle, she gave me the confidence and assurance that I needed to carefully think about what I enjoyed and supported me in making my decision to get an apprenticeship in marketing.

What conversation with your mentor had the biggest impact on you?

My first ever mentoring session had the biggest impact because the conversation started off encouraging our first interaction. I could tell she really wanted to help me in any way she could.

What do you feel is the best thing that has already happened for you because of mentoring, e.g. learning a new skill, dealing with a challenge, developing an interest in a new area?

This mentoring program has increased my communication, assurance, and confidence in myself and in my future career. I also discovered my strong interest in marketing as I really enjoy the creativity and diversity of the role. From the work experience I undertook last year at TfL, we were able to arrange 2-week work experience in TFL’s marketing team, HR business team, and recruitment and employment team.

Tell us a bit about your ambitions and dreams now

I am now finishing my second year of college and hoping to secure an apprenticeship in digital marketing. I really enjoyed this area because you can learn a lot from different departments, work on a variety of creative projects and see how your ideas make a change in a company. Mentoring has helped me understand the different pathways within marketing.

Do you have any advice for those who may want to be mentored and are unsure of the benefits?

Mentoring can be useful for anyone, no matter the department or career they are in or want to be in. Mentors can give you real life insight into universities, apprenticeships and jobs and they can give you practical advice that you need to make good choices. Mentors are there to support you, so you can talk to them about important decisions or concerns, and they will guide you.