Program Overview

Introduction to the Thrive Mentoring Scheme

The Thrive Mentoring Scheme is an extracurricular programme that provides students with the opportunity to develop a professional mentoring partnership with an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student. The scheme operates throughout each academic year, with partnerships typically lasting for a few hours per month for a 3-9 month period.

Thrive Programme Timeline

The programme timeline is as follows:

1. Mentor applications open from May onwards for the next academic year.
2. Mentors receive training from the scheme manager to cover mentoring and the Thrive platform.
3. Mentors create their account on the Thrive system after attending training.
4. Students choose their mentor on the Thrive platform after completing training.
5. Partnerships begin.
6. Mentoring partnerships end at the end of June of each scheme year, but can continue outside of the programme if the mentor and mentee wish to do so.
7. Mentors complete the mentor evaluation survey to share their experience of the programme and any feedback.

Benefits to Mentors

Mentoring a student can have many benefits, including:

• Positively influencing the next generation in the international job market
• Strengthening listening and communication skills
• Reinforcing knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry
• Giving back to the University of Reading

Benefits to Students

When taking part in Thrive, students may be looking to create and clarify their career goals or explore them in more depth through exposure to the workplace. The support offered by a mentor can make a significant difference to the success of their transition into graduate roles, boost their motivation, and build resilience whilst making challenging decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be.

How Many Students Can I Mentor at Any One Time?

You can mentor as many students as you like, but it is advised to start with one or two mentees in the first instance and then decide if you have the time to mentor more students.

Is Training Provided as Part of the Programme?

Yes, training is provided by the Thrive team for mentors and mentees. Training happens prior to mentoring partnerships beginning.

Is There Support Provided for Mentors Throughout the Programme?

The Thrive team are on-hand to support mentors throughout their partnership with a student or students, completing regular check-ins to ensure that the partnership is progressing well.

Do I Have to Have a Certain Level of Experience to Volunteer My Time as a Mentor?

Mentors generally need to have been working for at least 2 years after their main education to become a mentor, but this is looked at on a case-by-case basis.

What Sort of Things Would I Be Discussing with a Mentee?

Discussions can vary between partnerships, but common topics include career pathways, helping mentees to recognise their skills and qualities, and helping mentees to map out their next steps.

What Happens if My Mentee and I Don't Get On?

It can take time to build a relationship with a mentee, so it is recommended to give this time and focus on getting to know one another on an informal level first. The team is always on-hand to offer support if needed.

What Happens After My Relationship with My Mentee Ends?

All partnerships on the programme end officially at the end of June of each year, but some partnerships continue after this outside of the programme.