QMentoring
QMentoring connects our undergraduate students and recent graduates with experienced professionals who are keen to support the next generation to explore career ideas and prepare for the world of work.
As a QMentor, you'll provide one-to-one guidance to a student or recent graduate, helping them make informed career decisions, develop confidence and take practical steps towards their future.
Many of our QMentors are members of Queen Mary's alumni community, alongside professionals from a wide range of industries.
What is QMentoring?
QMentoring is a structured mentoring programme offering one-to-one, career-focused mentoring relationships between students and experienced professionals.
Mentors support mentees to:
- Explore career options and pathways.
- Gain insight into industries and workplace culture.
- Develop employability skills and confidence.
- Understand recruitment processes and expectations.
Mentoring relationships typically run over six months and are designed to be flexible, supportive and mutually beneficial.
QMentoring forms part of the Aspire career development programme, which supports students from under-represented backgrounds to progress into graduate employment or further study.
Become a mentor
We are currently recruiting mentors for our next QMentoring programme cycle, which will run from November 2026 to May 2027.
If you are new to the programme, you can register using the QMentoring New Volunteer Registration Form.
If you have participated on QMentoring previously, please complete the QMentoring Returning Volunteer Registration Form.
We would be grateful if you could share these opportunities with any colleagues, contacts, or fellow alumni who may be interested in supporting our students through mentoring.
Applications close on 8th October 2026.
- What does being a QMentor involve?
- Benefits of being a QMentor
- Who are the mentees?
- Who can become a QMentor?
What does being a QMentor involve?
As a QMentor, you will:
- Be matched with one student or recent graduate.
- Meet with your mentee a minimum of six times over the programme (online or in person).
- Offer guidance, encouragement and insight based on your own experience.
- Support your mentees to reflect on goals, options and next steps.
You do not need prior mentoring experience. The QMentoring team will provide:
- A mentor induction.
- Guidance on effective mentoring.
- Ongoing support throughout the programme.
Benefits of being a QMentor
By volunteering as a QMentor, you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful difference to a student or recent graduate at an important stage in their career development.
- Reflect on your own career journey and develop your mentoring and communication skills.
- Contribute to widening participation and social mobility.
- Support the development of diverse future talent.
- Raise the profile of your organisation among Queen Mary students and staff.
- Strengthen your connection to Queen Mary as part of our alumni and employer community.
The QMentoring programme received a commendation for the Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award at the 2023 NEON Awards, recognising its impact and best practice.
Who are the mentees?
Mentees are undergraduate students and some recent graduates from across all three Queen Mary faculties.
The programme prioritises students from under‑represented backgrounds in higher education, including students in receipt of the Queen Mary Bursary and those supported in line with the University’s Access and Participation Plan.
Who can become a QMentor?
We welcome mentors who:
- Have professional experience in any industry or sector.
- Are interested in supporting students and graduates with early career development.
- Can commit time to regular mentoring conversations over the programme period.
You do not need to be a Queen Mary graduate, however, many of our mentors are alumni who are keen to give back to the University community.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
QMentoring is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both mentor recruitment and student support.
We encourage mentors from diverse backgrounds and industries to take part.