Quote 1: When I applied for the Advance scheme, I'd come out of a series of unsuccessful job applications that felt very much rooted in gender bias, so I was quite cautious of having a male mentor. In the end, this worked out really well for me because my mentor helped me build trust with men in leadership capacities again, something I was quite aware was starting to wane for me. It was encouraging to have someone on my side who was male and who could identify ways to succeed from his perspective. 

Quote 2: My mentor was amazing at supporting my professional development. During the time of having my mentor I found my 'dream' job and was successful in getting it. My mentor helped me gain confidence in the sector and helped prepare me from my new position and helped me prepare for the interviews. 

Quote 3: My mentor helped me to identify a clear professional development pathway including applying for a Masters to focus on over the next two years and professional development organisations to continue learning after that. My mentor was really integral to this process, from the start to finish. They've been extremely supportive in uncovering this path, and helping to discuss ways to stick on it.


Quote 4: I definitely feel that mentored support has assisted my development in role this year. Although not a promotion, the advice and support offered has allowed me to further develop in my existing role and gain more confidence in fulfilling this role.

Quote 5: My mentor has supported me in working out how to manage all the elements of my current job, including not sacrificing my own objectives for my employer's! He has also been really helpful in thinking through future options, in part through reflecting on what I enjoy and don't enjoy about my job.

Quote 6: Despite being towards the end of my career, I am a relatively new manager and one of my objectives was to improve my people management skills and get better at 'owning my authority'. My mentor gave me a lot of support in this respect and helped me think more objectively about how I am managing my team. I would say I am a more confident manager now because of my mentor's guidance end encouragement.


Quote 7: I have loved being an Advance mentor and have really valued the different perspective I've gained from my mentee. I've seen her progress a lot over the last 8 months and feel the mentoring relationship has been really successful.


Quote 8: I have loved being an Advance mentor and have really valued the different perspective I've gained from my mentee. I've seen her progress a lot over the last 8 months and feel the mentoring relationship has been really successful.


Quote 9: I found that my mentee challenged me to provide insight and helpful 'homework' tasks for us to work on, I've only ever mentored people in my company which provides a lot to discuss. I also liked the SWOT analysis exercise and workbook which were good resources to return to part way through. 

Quote 10: I felt I was able to understand the world from someone else's perspective and to provide a sounding board, guidance when asked and a sense check. Sometimes it was just a chance to chat from their perspective, with someone who was committed and genuinely interested in what was happening to them. It’s certainly tough out there and brings back memories when I had to battle away to get noticed, heard or promoted.

Quote 11: I really enjoyed my sessions. I learnt a lot about a different technical discipline, and was able to share experiences around juggling work and family life. I really enjoyed coaching my mentee through a job change and I hope providing a helpful confidential space she could share her thoughts and concerns.