Career Mentoring Programme

The Open University Business School Alumni Mentoring Programme is designed to support both Alumni and students, to progress in their careers, focusing on the immediate need for development.

Read what one of the Open University Business School Alumni Mentees thinks about her experience so far.

Mentee Natalie Ker Watson joined the mentoring service in March 2013.

Since then she has had regular contact with her mentor Nick Westall, and says that it is useful to have a different perspective on work topics.

Read more about Natalie’s experiences in this PDF.

Rich O'Mara, AMOS Project Lead/GMO Transformation Manager, Thomas Cook Group Maintenance Organisation, talks about his experience of being mentored:

"I was mentored back in 2005 by the Group HR Director who was three levels of management above me and from a different part of the business.

The mentoring provided me with both a senior management view on career progression and an alternative perspective from outside my business unit. It also enabled me to see some of my personal concerns in a different light. As a result of the mentoring I decided to pursue an MBA as opposed to an MSc in Airline Management. I was able to seek and acquire company sponsorship to start my MBA, although being mentored by the group HR Director probably helped in this regard!

I was only mentored for about 6 months in which we had three meetings and exchanged regular emails, the mentoring ended when my mentor left the business. The main value I got out of being mentored was in identifying the areas I needed to work on as a priority such as developing negotiation skills and behaviours, and task prioritisation.

I still reflect on the advice I received and it is probably some of the most valuable I have ever been given."

Whether you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or benefit from being mentored, we hope that this programme will offer a rewarding opportunity for you to engage with others in our alumni network. Given the size of the School and the diversity of the experience in the network, we hope you will find a suitable, independent and like-minded mentor or mentee to help you achieve your goals.

What would I get from a mentor?

Our mentees can expect a one-to-one relationship over a period of time with a mentor who is a fellow alum. The mentor provides impartial support, non-judgemental guidance and practical help.

What would I do as an OUBS Alumni mentor?

You work together with your mentee through a two-way process to help the mentee achieve their goals and objectives. A key aspect of the mentor’s role is to engage their mentee in critical reflective thinking. You will likely remember from experiencing many, many hours of study, that the OU sees this as an essential management attribute! Each of our mentors receives training through a tailored programme. Once they have completed this, they are eligible to work with a mentee. To learn more about the mentor's role and training, or to register your interest in becoming a mentor, see Becoming a mentor (please note that you need to be logged in to the OU website to access this content).

How can I access the mentoring service?

Let our mentors help you achieve your career aspirations.

Our alumni mentors have a wealth of experience both across different sectors and at different management levels. You can utilise their experience and gain understanding of how to achieve your career goals.  

Follow the link below for further information on receiving mentoring and how to access the service.

• Becoming a mentee