An aim of the scheme is that all participants benefit; mentors as well as mentees. For mentors, taking part can be a valuable experience and opportunity to develop and practise a range of skills that are highly relevant in the workplace. These include communication, ‘people skills’, organisational and time management skills, and exercising judgement. Participation also demonstrates a good level of commitment and a ‘can do’ attitude, valued by employers. In today’s competitive job market, it is important to be able to stand out from other well qualified graduates, and the experience of mentoring fellow students is one way of achieving this.

Experience as a student mentor can be included on a CV or job application form. USW also awards a certificate of achievement to each mentor confirming participation. Subject to meeting the scheme criteria, participants can also apply for GradEdge accreditation.

Above all, feedback from student mentors shows that a major benefit is the opportunity to extend social networks and gain satisfaction from helping fellow students.