What Bristol Mentors do

The role of a Bristol Mentor is to:

• give guidance and advice to support students
• help students set goals and identify opportunities
• give insight into industries that interest students
• prepare students for the world of work by helping them develop key skills
• build students’ confidence as they prepare to take their next steps
• guide students through the transition from university to work.

Why become a mentor?

What makes Bristol Mentors unique for students is you - our alumni. As alumni, you know what it's like to be both a student and a graduate of Bristol and have valuable insight into both the challenges and opportunities students may encounter as they consider their progression. You can make a real difference to these students whilst also developing your skills and reconnecting with the University. 

Our mentors make a real difference to the students they support. Find out more about how mentoring makes a difference by reading our blog. 

What makes a good mentor?

We need mentors with different experiences, and from a range of subjects, disciplines, and careers.

As a Bristol Mentor you will be:

• empathetic and a good listener
• able to ask questions and share ideas effectively
• willing to share your experience and give insight into your work and your journey
• available to work with a student mentee for 1-2 hours a month.

Read more about the programme and who we're looking for

• ‌‌Bristol Mentors - Mentors Information Guide (PDF, 159kB)
• Bristol Mentors- Mentor Role Description (PDF, 126kB)

Apply to be a Bristol Mentor

If you meet the criteria outlined in the role description, we'd love to receive your application to take part in the programme.

Successful applicants who join the Bristol Mentors programme are then eligible to be matched with a student. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee every applicant will be matched, as our matching process is guided by the professional interests and ambitions of our student mentee cohort. 

We run additional activities for our student community such as; speaker and panel events, career blogs and networking opportunities. Alumni volunteers play a key role in providing crucial working world insight, so even if you are not matched you’ll still be able to get involved in supporting students on the programme. 

Apply to become a Bristol Mentor. ‌‌