IMAGINE anniversary: volunteers help students to THRIVE

Thursday, 07 June 2018

Since 2014, the THRIVE Career Mentoring scheme has been bolstering the personal and professional prospects of University of Reading students.

The scheme sees the formation and development of a mentoring relationship between current Part Two students and professionals from a range of sectors. With the help of their mentors, students identify possible career interests and aspirations and then get to know the various areas of their chosen sectors through their mentor’s network, work on building their CV and, in many cases, undertake placements, site visits and shadow industry work.  

The ultimate aim of THRIVE is to give our students the knowledge, career identity and self-belief to enter an increasingly challenging job-market. Tania Lyden, University Career Mentoring Manager said: “Our students have incredible potential to make an impact on society. Our mentors empower them to do this”.

Professor Gavin Brooks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning) recently stated that: “This project is highly innovative and directly impacts the challenging area of student employability development. It has great potential for the team to share best practice and further extend its reach.”

In fact, the scheme is currently being piloted with taught postgraduates with an initial review due shortly.

This impact was certainly felt by George, a 2017 graduate whose mentor worked at The Telegraph, who said: “Now I can walk in to a room full of professionals and make people remember me.” 

The latest cohort has seen over 400 students supported by THRIVE mentors; a group made up mainly of University of Reading alumni who are kindly giving their time and expertise back to the University. This success would not be possible without their dedication. 

Together, THRIVE mentors have given over 7,125 hours of their time to the scheme since it started. 

To find out more, please visit our THRIVE mentoring page.