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Strengthen your employability and stand out!

11/10/2019

As a level-5 student in a business-related undergraduate degree, I appreciate that you may have an idea to how competitive the graduate employment market is, writes graduate Dominic Smith. I can reassure you, as a recent graduate myself, that the application process is highly competitive. In order to stand-out to potential employers, it's common sense to ensure that our applications are as strong as possible. The Institute of Directors Mentoring Scheme is designed for this purpose, to strengthen our applications.

The IoD Mentoring Scheme has positively contributed to my university experience. A key positive aspect of this scheme is the sheer positive energy shared by participants, both mentors and mentees. This positive energy was translated seamlessly through group meetings and one-to-one meetings with my personal mentor. I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that sharing your CV for feedback can be an uncomfortable experience at first. However, the friendly, open atmosphere maintained through the programme facilitated a growth in my confidence. Now, I believe that my CV has improved a great deal from the feedback I've received from my mentor and others during 'speed-mentoring' sessions.

As well as improving my CV, the IoD Mentoring Scheme provided me with networking opportunities. For example, I was introduced to the Marketing Manager from Nineteen Events, whom I then shadowed during an exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham. This experience provided me with a context in which I used to further understand topics within my course. Networking through the IoD has granted me the opportunity to meet many business directors, growing my confidence in communicating with individuals who are accustom to the recruitment process. This was reflected during a mock interview I had with my personal mentor; I now better understand what employers are looking for.

If I were to choose one specific area of personal growth as a result of taking part in this programme, it would be my confidence. Reassurance and guidance from my mentor have 100% improved how I apply for those highly sought-after graduate jobs, increasing my confidence in doing so. Alongside my degree, I can confidently say that my experience on the IoD Mentoring Scheme will be a success factor for my job applications, kickstarting my career.

I would, therefore, completely recommend students taking part in this programme as it is highly valuable and works very well around studies and part-time work.

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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