FASS Mentorship Programme
INTRODUCTION
List of Content
Background
Established in 2006, the FASS Mentorship Programme (FASSMP) plays a pivotal role in connecting FASS undergraduates with accomplished FASS alumni. Our seasoned alumni offer mentorship, providing valuable insights into various career sectors and guiding students on how to navigate and shape their future career paths. The programme is designed to achieve the following objectives:
- Facilitate students’ professional and personal development: FASSMP aims to nurture both the professional and personal growth of students by offering them guidance and support from experienced mentors.
- Connect FASS students with alumni: The programme serves as a dynamic platform that fosters meaningful connections between current FASS students and alumni, creating a network for mutual learning and collaboration.
- Cultivate FASS-alumni relations as worthy role models: By engaging alumni as valuable role models, the programme seeks to strengthen the bonds between current students and successful alumni, fostering a sense of inspiration and aspiration.
- Create a platform for alumni’s contribution to FASS development and personal enrichment: FASSMP provides a structured avenue for alumni to contribute to the development of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, while also gaining personal enrichment through the mentorship process.
- Provide opportunities for FASS students to learn about work and life beyond the university: The programme facilitates exposure to real-world experiences, allowing FASS students to gain insights into various professional spheres and better understand life beyond the university environment.
Through these multifaceted goals, FASSMP seeks to enhance the overall educational experience and prospects of FASS students, while simultaneously fostering a strong and supportive community among our esteemed alumni.
Here is a video tribute to our FASS mentors who have been supporting our programme over the years.
How does the FASS Mentorship Programme work?
We will reach out to our mentors and students at the beginning of the application season in July/August to gauge their interest in participating in the upcoming year's programme.
Participants will be required to fill out an online registration form, providing essential information that will aid in the matching process. Whenever feasible, we will pair mentees with mentors possessing relevant expertise and experience aligned with the mentees' declared career interests.
Period of Commitment
The programme spans a year, running from January to December. As a general guideline, we recommend mentors and mentees to connect at least 4-6 times annually. These interactions can take various forms, such as face-to-face discussions, tea/lunch meetings, office visits, or joint participation in events.
In instances where face-to-face meetings are not feasible, staying connected is still possible through Zoom meetings, text messages, email exchanges, phone chats, or a combination of these methods throughout the mentorship period.
During these meetings, discussions can cover a range of topics, including advice related to specific job sectors or industries, career progression planning, professional practices, and personal development. To enhance the learning experience, mentees are encouraged to create a plan outlining key focus areas. Guidance on developing this plan will be provided during the mentorship briefing for mentees.
Timeline of Events
Planned events are strategically scheduled throughout the one-year mentorship programme to foster networking and interaction among mentors and mentees:
Mentorship Briefing: This session, tailored to guide mentees in maximizing their learning experience, will comprehensively cover essential aspects of the mentorship process. Timings and format details will be communicated closer to the date.
Networking Events: Designed to facilitate meaningful connections between mentors and mentees, as well as foster engagement with the Faculty and University, these events provide an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network. Whether conducted in person or virtually, further details will be communicated well in advance, ensuring all participants can fully capitalize on this valuable networking opportunity.
July/August | Publicise the Mentorship Programme to mentors and students |
September | Mentorship Programme application closes |
November | Notification of matching outcome. Programme admin will connect the mentors and mentees via email. |
Early December | Mentorship Briefing for mentees |
January | Start of Mentorship Programme |
February–April | Networking Event |
May–October | Mentor and mentees will be invited to various engagement and outreach activities organised by the faculty throughout the year. |
November–December | Final catch up between mentors and mentees. They are encouraged to stay connected after the programme has ended. |
Terms and Conditions
Please click here to download the Terms and Conditions. By joining this Programme, mentors and mentees accept and agree to the Terms and Conditions.