Jacob's top tips for using Jesus Connect
ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ´´ has an innovative Careers and Mentoring Programme, Jacob (2019) tell us his top tips for using our bespoke networking and mentoring platform:
Tell us a bit about your experience of using Jesus Connect?
I created my profile on Jesus Connect and ensured it was as detailed as possible. As I am interested in public sector jobs, I searched for alumni who had worked in the Civil Service. Upon finding some alumni who matched this criteria, I sent a message to ‘connect’ with them. I explained who I was alongside my motivations and aspirations. Both alumni got in touch with me very quickly and we soon arranged a time to speak. These meetings were great for understanding more about the public sector and the Jesus Connect platform continues to help me immensely with my future career.
Give us your top two tips for establishing a successful mentoring relationship
Be yourself. It is easier for your mentor to know how they can help if you act like usual - they will be able to see your strengths and weaknesses! Take some time to prepare before you speak with your mentor - it is hard if you have nothing to talk about when you are speaking with your mentor, so make sure you prepare plenty of different subjects to discuss.
How has working with a mentor helped you?
They have helped by answering questions about the industry I am interested in. They have also kindly offered to help with CV and cover letter preparation, as well as admissions test content and interview technique.
Do you have any tips for students meeting their mentor for the first meeting via video call?
Ensure you have a good wifi connection - there is nothing worse than dodgy wifi making a video call unbearable for the mentor as they struggle to hear you speak. Prepare lots of questions in advance - this saves you thinking on your feet if you get nervous and will save you from any potentially awkward silences.
Jesus Connect is for the exclusive use and benefit of alumni and current students of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ´´. The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to Jacob (2019).
