'I feel empowered to do things by myself' - top tips by alumni mentee Helen on joining the Mentoring Programme
Helen joined the Routes Mentoring Programme in autumn 2024. She worked with her mentor Zara, for four months of mentoring. Together, they explored Helen’s goal of building her confidence in English, with the purpose of exploring education and work in future. In this blog, Helen shares her top tips for other women from refugee backgrounds, who might be interested in joining the Routes Mentoring Programme.
What were you expecting from the Routes Mentoring Program before it started?
Before I started the Routes Programme I expected that it might be another online course. But actually it was so different from that and so much better!
What did you achieve together? What progress did you make?
I did a lot of activities with my mentor and the Routes team. For example, I learnt how to write a CV, how to use a computer and Zoom. I know now how to apply for a job. My mentor Zara is like a teacher to me.
Did anything surprise you during your Routes experience?
Yes, I am proud of myself because I have grown in confidence with my English speaking skills.It was also a lovely surprise to meet my mentor - I didn't expect that we would meet in person. But actually we met up in person two times and I really enjoyed the time we spent together.
What will I do differently from now on because of our meetings?
Now I feel empowered to do things by myself. I am not afraid. Whereas before our mentoring journey I didn't have the confidence to do things on my own.
“Now I feel empowered to do things by myself. I am not afraid. Whereas before our mentoring journey I didn’t have the confidence to do things on my own.”
In what ways could we have worked better together?
We both found our in person meetings to be much more effective and so if we could do this mentoring experience again we would both prefer to do our meet-ups in person, rather than online. In the end we spent about 50% of our meetings online and 50% in person.
What would your advice be for someone considering doing the Routes Mentoring Programme?
My advice would be make sure you have a good internet connection*, be sure about time-keeping and for mentees with kids I would say that if you are able to arrange childcare during your sessions you will get more from the experience.
* Routes provides mentees with tech support, including a laptop/tablet and data, so that everyone who joins the Mentoring Programme, is able to participate fully in their meetings online. Pairs also have the opportunity to meet in-person, for which separate support is available.
Photo: Helen (on the left) with her mentor Zara at the Routes Celebration Event in January 2025.
Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the Routes Programme and Team for this opportunity.
Are you interested in joining Routes as a mentee? Routes runs two Mentoring Programmes a year, one in Spring and one in autumn. Applications for our upcoming Mentoring Programme open for mentees in April 2025.
We are also recruiting for new mentors, to join us to work with mentees like Helen. Recruitment for mentors will open on International Women’s Day. Learn more on https://routescollective.com/mentoring.
Mentor Zara writes about her time on the Routes Mentoring Programme. Read about Zara’s meetings with her mentee, connecting with fellow mentors, and the benefits of the training components for her leadership skills.