Diana is a mentee on our first digital mentoring programme. Two months in, she reflects on her experience with her mentor Antonella. You can read Antonella’s story here.
I signed up to the mentorship programme because I felt that it would add much needed value in specific areas in my life and career. I had never been part of such a programme before but I was looking forward to getting a mentor that would help me identify the skills needed and help me navigate through my desired career. I also noted that the programme was all about women supporting women to grow together, and I was not going to miss an opportunity to be part of that.
I was a bit nervous before my first meeting with Antonella because it was my first time having a mentor, but at the same time excited because I knew I was making progress towards my desired career.
I had initially wanted to focus on fashion and retail. After our second meeting, I received my work permit and all the jobs available there fall under the Shortage Occupation List. Unfortunately none of the jobs listed were in my career bracket. We narrowed down to one course (Social Work) that suited my skills and personality. I had to enrol in University to study the course and we have just finished applying to the different universities through UCAS and are now waiting for them to get back to us.
I have learnt so many new things so far, like the effort and work it takes to apply to university in this country. However, all this was easier because I had my mentor helping and guiding me through it all. I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of having someone who is routing for you to win by cheering you on and giving you positive criticism and feedback.
I had to go back to the drawing board and reorganise myself with the cards that life had dealt me with when I realized that I couldn't work in my area of study or fashion and retail. Despite the disappointment, we decide to make the best out of it. At the moment, the challenge we are facing is trying to get a suitable scholarship that will help me cover my tuition and accommodation costs.
I hope that by the end of the programme I would have gotten a placement in university and a scholarship to top it up. I also hope that Antonella and I will remain friends because she will always be my mentor, and that we will finish this journey together because the future looks bright.
I have gained valuable advice and knowledge from my mentor who's obviously more experienced. Antonella has also created opportunities to build my network of professional contacts in the career that I want to pursue, i.e. she put me in contact with a mental health social worker who gave me a lot of insight on the career.
Mentorship is important because it empowers you to become more confident to make the right decisions and to identify goals and establish a sense of direction.
