Supercharge your professional profile and inspire the next generation through our Future Ready Mentoring programmes.
Key mutual benefits
Many of our students are the first in their family to go to university. They have drive, talent and vast untapped potential, but may lack access to vital networks.
Volunteering as a mentor enables you to turn that potential into career momentum. You could make a real difference to others while personally benefiting from:
- honing your mentoring, communication and leadership skills
- accessing CPD-accredited training and exclusive networking events
- reflecting on your own career to broaden your perspective and grow your network
- serving as a role model for budding talent, helping them grow confidence, establish vital networks and navigate their entry into your industry
- powering your organisation’s social responsibility goals, thanks to our uniquely diverse student and graduate community
Who can volunteer as a mentor?
Individual professionals
You don’t need to be a former student or an experienced mentor to apply. We only ask that you're:
- willing to volunteer your time and career expertise
- willing to make use of the training materials and guidance we provide you
- available for the minimum time commitment, ranging from a one-off hour to six hours across six months
- equipped with ideally three or more years of professional or entrepreneurial experience
While all sector experience is welcome, demand is high for mentors in finance, law, data, film, animation, biomedical sciences, psychology, arts and heritage.
Read on for information on our programmes – or to get started, fill in our application form.
Organisations
We also welcome organisations that would like to partner with us to volunteer multiple professionals as mentors at Westminster. To find out more:
- discover how others have done this in our collaboration stories below
- email [email protected]Email us about a mentoring partnership
Ways to mentor
We offer various formats to allow you to volunteer in a way that suits your experience, availability and preferred style.
Our flagship Career Mentoring Programme is ideal if you want to offer sustained and in-depth career guidance to a single student or graduate.
With long-term mentoring:
- we’ll match you manually and prepare you and your mentee beforehand
- you’ll have regular, hour-long conversations with a single mentee
- you can meet in person, virtually or by phone
- you’ll offer guidance on topics like career planning and industry insights
- you might also provide practical support with applications and interviews
Although you can apply at any time in the year, mentoring takes place either:
- for six months, between November and April, with at least five sessions
- for three months, between May and July, with at least three sessions
The Ask a Mentor Service is a lighter-touch option and ideal if you don’t want a long-term commitment or you’re new to mentoring.
You’ll offer an hour of focused, one-to one career advice on a video call or by phone, on topics such as:
- CV, application and interview advice
- industry expectations
- role-oriented or sector-specific questions
- targeted guidance on next steps
We ask mentees to prepare a contained challenge to tackle within a session, making this a focused and impactful mentoring option.
Group mentoring is designed to bring mentoring into the classroom and tailored to particular modules or industry areas. As a group mentor, you’ll:
- answer industry-specific questions for several students interested in your field
- facilitate three sessions during timetabled teaching, each lasting one hour
- deliver mentoring in person at one of our campuses or join virtually
- share real-world examples and workplace insights
- offer constructive feedback on job hunting and career preparation
We offer travel reimbursement for volunteers attending in-person group mentoring sessions.
Get started
We accept applications all year round.
To discuss your options, email [email protected]Email us about mentoring students or graduates.
Success stories
The mentoring journey is incredibly rewarding, allowing me to help Westminster students establish themselves in the industry and uncover their full potential. This is an incredible programme for both mentors and mentees to grow together.
Daryna Lysenko, Senior Campaigns Marketing Manager EMEA, Box
Participating was a transformative experience, enhancing both my professional skills and my understanding of the industry.
Kylie, MA English Literature
How we support mentors
Both mentors and mentees receive training before being matched. We’ll also check your availability, so we only match you when the timing is right.
We’ll provide comprehensive support, including:
- CPD-accredited training
- mentoring handbooks and resources
- LinkedIn profile guidance
- CV training support
- support from the mentoring team throughout
- space for meeting your mentee
- travel reimbursement for in-person group mentoring
Mentor talent in Zone29
Our Zone29 building offers flexible, modern spaces where mentors and mentees can meet, learn and build professional connections through:
- one-to-one mentoring sessions
- group mentoring opportunities
- training and orientation for mentors
- mentor networking and thank you events
Learn more about our Zone29 spaces and facilities.
Collaboration stories
In one year alone, 2,000 bright minds prepared for their future with the help of over 700 mentors, some from sector-leading organisations.
Cognizant
Cognizant mentors reflect on their own journeys while supporting students with honest conversations about the realities of the tech sector.
Netcompany
Netcompany mentors describe the impact of helping students understand industry expectations, build confidence and gain clarity on next steps.
Award wins
Future Ready Mentoring is recognised nationally and internationally for innovation and impact, earning accolades such as:
- The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) – Circle of Excellence Gold Award in 2018 and Best of Europe Region Award in 2024
- Times Higher Education (THE) Awards – Outstanding Support for Students Finalist in 2025
Contact us
For any queries about mentoring students and graduates, email [email protected]Email us about mentoring students or graduates.