The scheme will run from February 2027 to May 2027 with training for both mentees and mentors in January 2027.
Applications for the 2027 programme will close on the 11^th of December 2027.

The programme includes five structured sessions over four months:

Session1: Skills audit

Build your mentee’s self-awareness and confidence by reviewing their skills assessment and helping them to identify examples to demonstrate their skills, attributes, values, and development areas.

Sessions 2-4: Job application feedback, mock interview, industry exposure

The sessions can be arranged in any order;

• provide feedback on CVs and applications to improve quality and tailoring.
• conduct a mock interview to help your mentee prepare for graduate level roles.
• offer real world exposure through a workplace visit, industry event, or professional introduction.

Session 5: Reflection and action planning

Recap progress, agree future contact, and set clear goals for the next stage of their career journey.

Yes, mentoring is an unpaid voluntary position. However, it’s a valuable professional development opportunity and a meaningful way to give back.

Each year, we shape the Career Mentoring scheme to support students and graduates who would benefit most from additional guidance as they transition into the workplace. This reflects the University’s broader commitment to improving access, opportunity, and outcomes for students from all backgrounds.

Recent Herts data shows that male UK-domiciled graduates are among the groups most in need of targeted support, particularly in securing graduate level employment. That’s why this year’s scheme is focused on helping recent male graduates who are still seeking graduate level employment six months after completing their studies.

Yes, you can, in fact feedback has suggested that recent graduates respond well to mentors that have experienced the graduate recruitment process in the past two years.

Mentor applications for the 2027 scheme are now open. If you would like to apply for this year’s programme, then please complete the form linked on the previous page. Any queries can be sent to careermentoring@herts.ac.uk.

We welcome applications from professionals across all industries and backgrounds. To ensure the best experience for both mentors and mentees, we use the following criteria when selecting mentors:

• you’ll need to have at least two years of professional experience in any field;
• participation is also dependent on the availability of a suitable mentee match. We do our best to match all eligible mentors, but this depends on mentee numbers and preferences.

• mentors with experience in recruitment processes (e.g., shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, or assessment centres) are highly desirable;
• we particularly welcome applications from Herts alumni, as shared experiences can help build strong mentor-mentee relationships;
• we’re especially keen to hear from male mentors and those working in tech-related professions or industries, as we anticipate increased demand in these areas for the 2026 scheme.

Even if you don’t meet the desirable criteria, we still encourage you to apply - every mentor brings their own unique experiences, and we’re aiming to build a diverse pool of professionals to support our graduates.

Yes, you do. Each year before we begin our programme those taking part, both mentees and mentors must attend the training, it is a mandatory requirement even experienced mentors are asked to attend. It ensures consistency across the programme and gives you a chance to learn about the specific needs of this year’s mentees.  

We understand that some mentors will have more experience than others and will ensure our training is appropriate to a mixed ability group.

While we aim to match all suitable applicants, matches depend on the number of mentees and their interests. If we’re unable to match you this year, we’ll keep your details on file for future opportunities.