Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme
Medicine MBChB, 2023
Mentored by Professor Steve Field
Tell us a bit about yourself, your mentorship and what you gained from taking part in the mentoring scheme.
Hi, my name is Ange. I have finished my 4th year of medical school and going into my 5th year. It has been a very enjoyable and great learning experience, taking part in the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme during this academic year. My mentor has been Professor Steve Field with whom I have built an excellent rapport and feel comfortable to ask questions to and discuss matters.
My mentor has been a general practitioner for 30 years and works in a leadership role in a hospital as a chairman. During the mentorship we learnt about each other and discussed how I am progressing with my studies. My mentor has kindly given me the opportunity to attend an upcoming hospital board meeting, which I am very grateful for as well as the meetings we have had.
Did you have any preconceptions about the mentoring experience that were challenged as a result of your experience?
I didn’t have any preconceptions about the mentoring programme as it was a new experience for me. I did however assume it would be very formal and the focus of it would be on academia. The programme has been exciting and relaxing. My mentor and I discussed a range of topics and got to know each other. It was a very friendly and relaxed experience. I felt comfortable asking questions.
One piece of advice you learnt from your mentor you could share with other students/graduates? Being proactive is important. There are many opportunities to build one’s skill set including interacting with other people which helps to build social network and opportunities. You can be inspired and learn from those with more experience and expertise.
Can you share any top tips for making the most of the mentoring opportunity and how to be an effective mentee?
It would be great to know what you want to achieve from the mentoring programme. This programme is an amazing opportunity to be guided and inspired by somebody with experience and expertise. Also, try to get to know your mentor as a person so that you build rapport and feel comfortable asking questions. Also, you can build your social network by taking part in this programme as you may get introduced to other people with similar knowledge and talent. You can build opportunities by being proactive.
Why would you recommend the scheme to other students?
I recommend the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme because it is a great opportunity to meet a mentor who is successful in their field and have developed leadership positions. It is an amazing opportunity to be guided by a mentor who has a similar field of interest to you and can therefore guide you further on how to reach your full potential and give specific advice relevant to future career.