Alumni reflections: ‘Routes became a way forward’

This October 2026, we are launching our 17th Mentoring Programme! For the occasion, we’ve asked an expert to reflect on what this Mentoring Programme means - one of our alumni mentees. Below, please find the reflections of Sarker, who first joined Routes on our 11th cohort. How does she look back on her mentoring journey now? Read on to find Sarker’s top tips for new mentees and the road ahead, for after the Mentoring Programme comes to an end.

My time on the Routes Mentoring Programme

‘‘I joined the Routes Mentoring Programme at a time when I was starting a completely new chapter of my life. I was pregnant and preparing to become a single mother, while also dealing with the loss of my mum and feeling that I had been left behind by many of the people I once thought would be there for me. It was one of the loneliest and most uncertain periods of my life. But even then, I did not want to give up on the professional future I had worked towards.

My background is in finance and banking, and I wanted to find my direction again, rebuild my confidence and understand how I could continue towards my professional goals. Routes became part of that journey. I had a young child at the time. Sometimes I attended with my baby in my arms.

One of the memories that have stayed with me most is visiting my mentor Sophie at her workplace at Investec, with my child in my arms. Standing in that professional environment made me feel that I still belonged there. I realised that becoming a mother and going through such a difficult period did not mean that my professional ambitions had to end.

Image: mentor Sophie and mentee Sarker (with baby in arms) during their time on the Routes Mentoring Programme.

What surprised me most about Routes was that it became much more than professional advice. Emily listened to me, encouraged me and helped me see possibilities when I was struggling to see them myself. When I needed help with practical things, such as my UK ENIC process (support available from Routes, to apply for ENIC - a way of getting foreign qualifications verified and recognised for UK education and labour market, ed.) , I knew I could reach out.

Joining the Routes Alumni community

Even now, whenever I feel stuck, I can turn to Routes. Sometimes the support is direct, and sometimes it simply helps me see the next step more clearly. In a way, when I felt that I had lost my way, Routes became a way forward for me.

The biggest lesson I took from the programme is that there is no real end — there is always a new beginning. Life can change in ways we never expect, and sometimes we have to start again when we are already exhausted. But I have learned that we do not always need to know exactly where the road will take us. Sometimes we just need patience, support and the courage to take the next step.

Joining the Routes Alumni community

Alumni mentee Sarker (second person on the right) with fellow Routes alumni mentors and mentees, during the Routes Refugee Week event in June 2026.

Today, I am continuing to build my professional life. I have achieved my Level 3 Community Interpreting qualification and currently work as a community interpreter. At the same time, I have continued working towards my longer-term goal of returning to the finance sector and furthering my education. I am very happy to have secured my place to start an MSc in September 2027, which is another important step towards the future I once wondered whether I could still achieve.

“If I could give one piece of advice to new mentees, it would be to be open with your mentor. Talk about your ambitions, but also talk about the things that are holding you back. You do not have to have everything figured out when you start. Sometimes, having someone believe in your potential can help you believe in it yourself.”

— Sarker, alumni mentee of the 11th Routes Mentoring Programme

Continuing to work on my goals

Routes was a turning point for me. It taught me that starting again does not mean starting from nothing. You bring everything you have learned with you.

I am still walking my new path, and I know there will be challenges ahead. But now I have learned to be patient, keep moving and look for the next step rather than worrying about how far away the destination is.

I am very grateful that Routes became part of my journey — and part of my new beginning in a new country.

Alumni mentee Sarker in September 2026.

Headshot taken as part of Sarker’s participation in our ‘Routes to Employment’ course in September 2026.

Sarker continues to be an active member of the Routes alumni community, joining different events and courses whenever she can.

We’ve been so excited to see Sarker work on her goals, ever since the time she joined Routes in autumn 2023. We know people have big dreams and big goals - and it’s been brilliant to see Sarker continue to progress on hers!

Thanks so much for this lovely blog post - and a warm welcome to our newest cohort of mentors and mentees.

If you are interested in joining Routes for mentoring too, please keep an eye on this website! Recruitment for new mentors and mentees for our Spring 2027 Mentoring Programme will open soon.