Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme - What our Alumni Mentors say!
Listen to and read what some of our amazing alumni mentors thought about their experience with the Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme and what they gained from taking part.
Testimonials
Jason McCormac, Mentor of the Year 2023 - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme
I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and that is down to the amazing team and having a mentee who has brought his whole self to the programme investing his time and effort in his personal growth.
This programme brings me so much insight into future generations of talent that are being developed in DCU, and it makes me really excited for the future.
Elizabeth O'Brien, Mentor - Graduate to Student to Mentorship Programme 2023
I would definitely recommend other graduates to get involved in the DCU Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme. Establishing a meaningful relationship with a mentee can enrich both of your lives for the 6 months you're paired together, while giving mentors a chance to gain more experience in leadership and communication. The reward goes both ways, and helping someone else to succeed with their professional goals can bring real energy and positivity to your career. It certainly did for me!
Louise O Brien, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
This was my first year as a mentor and it definitely won’t be my last!
I couldn’t recommend the experience enough and it’s taught me so much about myself, showing DCU’s lifelong learning approach.
Pat O'Mahony, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
The Mentorship Programme is perhaps the thing I wish most that we had back in the day when I was a student at (what's now) DCU. Every year, even though I know they're only scratching at the surface, it's great to see my mentees immerse themselves in whatever project I'm working on at the time, trying to get as much out of it as they possibly can. And it really is up to them to make the most of this invaluable opportunity - seeing those who do grow in confidence over such a short space of time really is a kick.
Donna Stewart, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
As someone who has once been in the shoes of a student, sometimes feeling overwhelmed with choices, not knowing which direction is the right one. It's very fulfilling to be able to provide extra information based on personal experience that may provide guidance they can't find in their immediate network.
Caroline Costigan, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
Having participated in the program as a Mentor for the last two years, I often hear the Mentees speak about the impact having a mentor has made - specifically how it gave them access to someone who could not only help prepare them for interviews, but someone who could support them on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, learning more about themselves and building their confidence and self-belief to support them in their studies, work placements/internships and future careers.
Sean Hughes, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
The DCU mentor programme provides the opportunity to work with the next generation of leaders. It is both rewarding and insightful to impart knowledge and skills that will help someone take the next step in their professional journey.
The experience has also provided me with fascinating insights into what matters to young people as they transition from education into the workforce, incredibly valuable to anyone in the HR & Talent development space.
Yvonne Gregory, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
The DCU Student Mentorship Programme is so well organised, with excellent communication and engagement support for Mentors. It offers those who have graduated, with life and work experience an opportunity to support and develop the talent and leaders of the future.
Working with my Mentee, I had a remarkable, talented and focused young woman who took the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as she could to enable her select her career path. It was a privilege and and honour to be a small part of that journey. I cannot wait to learn about her success in her career in the next few years.
As a DCU Alumni, if you are thinking about something practical that you can do that will reward you in so many ways, including the unexpected, don't think any longer, just apply for the Student Mentorship Programme. I guarantee you will not regret a moment of the experience.
Shane Diffley, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
The DCU Graduate to Mentorship program is an incredibly rewarding experience. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with a student.
The program is very supportive of mentors and can always guide you through the process. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to being part of the program again next year.
Ceadhla Newman, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
Really enjoyed this experience, the mentors/mentees are matched really well and it's a really rewarding programme.
Tony Murphy, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme 2023
Helping students and seeing them progress and gain confidence is as rewarding as any achievement in your career. The feeling of appreciation from them and feeling like you’ve had a positive impact for someone is energising. It’s also great to keep up with what is taught in DCU these days, it helps when working with graduates coming in to your company.
I also think it’s important to remember what it was like starting off. It’s important to never forget those feelings, especially when you’re in a leadership position. It will help you understand less experienced team members better so you can be a better leader or manager to them.
Steph Creaner, Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme
I see mentoring as an essential part of development and this program gave me the opportunity to give back to current DCU students. It was very rewarding to see my mentees grow and evolve and ultimately attain their internships of choice.
Eimear Ní Bhroin - Mentor - Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme
This is not just an opportunity to give back to DCU, it is an opportunity to give a hardworking and enthusiastic student a boost. As a mentor, you can demystify the work place and the procedures involved in applying for jobs (and succeeding in them!). As you were once in their classrooms, what you have achieved becomes possible.