Themis Cheung

Careers Network Mentoring Scheme
Business Management with Communications, 2018

Introduction

Hello, my name is Themis. I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2018 with a degree in Business Management with Communications. I took part in the Careers Network Mentoring Scheme in 2017 where I was in my final year, and I really wish I'd joined earlier.

I initially joined because I wasn't really sure about my career path and my mentor has been very supportive. He helped me to understand my strengths and weaknesses identified my skill sets and areas for improvement. We also worked together on my CV, and he shared with different parties for comments.

He also introduced me to his connections so I can explore more opportunities and we still keep in touch now. I see him as a lifelong mentor.

Top Tips for mentorship

My top tip for making the most out of the mentoring opportunity is that you should really take time to think about what you want to know and don't be shy to share it with your mentor. Mentors are very experienced, but they may not be able to share with you what you want to know if they don't understand your needs.

So, it's important that you set up regular meetings with them to share your thoughts and update them with your progress and it's also important that you keep in touch with them even when the mentorship program is over.

Advice from mentor

One piece of advice that I've got from my mentor is that you should stay open-minded and never underestimate your possibilities. For example, I've been doing fencing for ten years, but I never thought of a career in sports consultancy, so it's important that you understand there is meaning in every step you take in life and you should also constantly reflect on your interests, passion, and understand yourself.

So, when there's an opportunity that you might be interested in, you can grab it. I think this is very important also in your career.