The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Mentoring Scheme is one of Careers Network's mentoring programmes.
Applications for the 2025/26 round of the LGBTQ+ Mentoring Programme have now closed. The deadline for applications was 30 January 2026. If you’re interested in being contacted for our 2027 Spring round of the scheme, you can complete our expression of interest form by clicking the application form link below.
Our LGBTQ+ mentors aim to support students by offering guidance on navigating the workplace as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer and/or questioning individuals. This could include conversations around the following topics to build a fulfilling and authentic professional life:
- being open about your identity
- devising your own personal coming out strategy
- developing your network and provide ideas for developing contacts
- helping boost your personal and professional development
- increasing your confidence
While our LGBTQ+ Mentoring Scheme is designed to support students in navigating their personal and professional journeys as LGBTQ+ individuals, we understand that some students may prefer guidance focused on specific career sectors. If you don't feel the need to be matched with a mentor who shares your lived experience, we encourage you to explore our Careers Network Mentoring Programme. This scheme offers a slightly different focus, aiming to provide more sector-specific advice tailored to your career aspirations.
How an LGBTQ+ mentor can help you
Deciding on a career, applying for a job, and managing the transition from university to work can be a challenge; even more if you have to decide on whether to come 'out' at work. The good news is that there are many people who are out at work across a wide range of occupations, ranging from 'first-jobbers' to chief executives who have made this transformation with great success.
The aim is to match LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) students with mentors from a range of occupations. Our mentors kindly volunteer their time to share advice about the choices they made in their careers and to share their experiences of being 'out' in the workplace.
How to apply to the LGBTQ+ Mentoring Scheme
Applications for the 2025/26 round of the LGBTQ+ Mentoring Programme have now closed. The deadline for applications was 30 January 2026. If you’re interested in being contacted for our 2027 Spring round of the scheme, you can complete our expression of interest form by clicking the application form link below.
Your mentorship will then begin with a welcoming induction event designed to help you feel at home from the start. You’ll connect with previous mentors, meet other LGBTQ+ students, and take part in relaxed small‑group conversations that ease you into the programme and set the tone for a supportive, empowering experience.
Former mentor
LGBT Mentoring
“I was keen to take part in the mentoring scheme because I remember how it felt to be a student at the University of Birmingham and not ‘out’ about my sexual orientation, and I wanted to see if I could help support other students to develop confidence to be themselves.”