Tapping into ‘the power of mentorship’

“I still have really vivid memories of my first few days on campus,” says Ciara Cronin, who graduated from DCU in 2000 with a BA in International Business and Languages, specialising in Marketing and German & French.

“From the opening ceremony to my first lecture, I remember being pretty awestruck by it all. It genuinely felt like a threshold moment.” Ciara currently works at Seattlebased architecture and design practice, Olson Kundig, where she is the Director of Public Relations and Communications. “It’s a fast-paced role that is tremendously fulfilling due in no small part to our talented staff, wonderful clients, and the incredible projects the firm works on around the globe.” When Ciara has time to spare from her impressive role, she is busy giving back to the university in a number of volunteering capacities.

“I have been a volunteer and mentor in the Structured Mentorship Programme for the past number of years. Throughout the academic year, we meet regularly to discuss a range of topics such as CVs, cover letters, interview techniques, industry organisations, continuing education, goal setting, best business practices and more.” Ciara’s belief in the “power of mentorship” struck her when she read about the programme in the Alumni newsletter. “I appreciated the programme’s balance between a structured format and the flexibility to customize your sessions based on mentees’ individual needs. Overall, the programme seemed like a great way to stay connected to the university, students, and alumni.”

Ciara already had the experience of remote mentoring before COVID-19, so she was well-equipped when the programme moved online for 2020/21. “This year in response to a fully virtual program – not to mention the fact that students were dealing with such challenging circumstances – it really felt like everyone was going above and beyond to make it as valuable and beneficial an experience as possible. “ Ciara has one particular highlight from her involvement with the programme. “Hands down, it is seeing mentees grow in confidence over the course of the programme,” she says. “The most noticeable transformation is often in their interview techniques and skills. It’s incredibly heartening to see mentees go from a ball of nerves (we’ve all been there!) to actually enjoy interviews and can confidently present the very best of themselves to potential employers.”

Describing the Structured Mentorship Programme as “exceptionally rewarding experience”, Ciara has some advice to those who are interested in becoming a volunteer. “It is gratifying to know that the programme has such a positive impact on students’ academic and later professional trajectories. It may sound clichéd, but I truly believe mentors stand to gain as much from the programme as mentees. You can’t help but feel completely invested in your mentees and their futures – I still keep in touch with mentees to this day! Hopefully mentees find mentors not only for the duration of the programme, but also as lifelong advisors too.”