The launch of the 2020/21 DCU Mentorship Programme

The 2020/21 DCU Mentorship Programme, connecting graduates with second year students, kicked off in virtual-style on Wednesday, 18th November. The programme won the prestigious IITD National Training Award for Excellence in Mentoring in 2018, and was a finalist for the award again in 2020 as part of a broader Mentorship at DCU submission. This programme is a joint-collaboration between DCU Alumni and the DCU Careers Service, where graduates play a key role in the transformative student experience of second-year undergraduate students.

The 2020/21 Programme sees record numbers with over 600 participants.

Mentors and mentees were welcomed to the programme with a wonderful rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, performed by Bachelor of Education student, Eadaoin Power.

DCU President, Prof. Daire Keogh thanked all participants on the programme with graduate Mentors from over 20 countries attending the Opening Ceremony.

Head of the Careers Service, Yvonne McLoughlin spoke about the importance of the programme for mentees:

“The Mentorship Programme provides an opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge and understanding about the range of options with their degree not in one specific industry but in the fast-paced world of work.  It helps students to develop key skills and attributes for their development.  In addition to mentees meeting with their mentors once a month, students also undertake a virtual work shadow day (where possible), attend career and workplace skills sessions, complete a careers growth plan and a reflective journal. We are delighted with the number of second year students availing of the Mentorship Programme this year for their personal and professional development.”

DCU Alumna, Gay White and Alumnus, Brian Smyth were special guests at the Opening Ceremony. Gay has been an ever present on the Mentorship Programme and provides oversight and guidance on continually enhancing the programme. Brian, who is a mentor and has previously been a mentee on the programme, offered fantastic words of wisdom to our attendees, setting up a great insight into the months ahead for participants

Director of Alumni Relations, Ross Munnelly thanked the Alumni Community for their unending support:

“This year, despite all the associated negativity of Covid-19 and the pandemic, the numbers on this programme have increased dramatically. This is a symbol of how our graduates find the time, energy and commitment to drive the strategic mission of their alma mater. This programme greatly impacts the student experience and provides a unique opportunity for DCU students. We are indebted to our graduates for their support.”

The ceremony concluded with a beautiful piece of music called “Sí Beag Sí Mór” by Bachelor of Education student, Sadhbh Travers. 

A big thank you to DCU Alumna and staff member, Yvonne Crotty for assisting with the musical performances, as well as to Mark Glynn and his team at the DCU Teaching Enhancement Unit for their help on the technical side of providing this Mentorship Programme for DCU graduates and students. 

We look forward to another successful year of Mentorship at DCU!