DCU’s largest ever mentorship programme

Over 50 DCU Alumni mentors and nearly 70 students took part in DCU’s largest ever mentorship programme last night. The event was organised by the Alumni Office in conjunction with the Careers Service. The programme will run from November 2008 to April 2009.

The Joint Mentorship Programme provides students and mentors with an opportunity to meet, to discuss career goals, to network, to have fun in a social environment and to assist students in enhancing their professional skills outside the classroom.

By mentoring, graduates share their experience with students and it's an opportunity for professional development. It is also an opportunity to give something back to the university while having some fun as well.

The mentee will have the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns at our campus events and observe an experienced professional within the working environment as part of the work shadowing day.

The programme is also beneficial from a self-development and professional development perspective for mentors.

DCU Communications graduate Padraig McKeon was a guest speaker at the launch event. Padraig has over 20 years experience in strategic PR and communications with a broad range of clients in the commercial and public sectors. He is Managing Director of Drury Communications and a member of the DCU Educational Trust Board of Trustees.

The mentorship areas cover a wide spectrum of expertise such as Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Biotechnology, Nursing, Languages, IT, Journalism (Print and Broadcast), Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources, Financial Management, and International Business.

Upcoming Mentorship Events:

• Inspirational Speaker Event (Monday, 1st December 2008)
• Alumni Mentors will invite their mentee to their company/organisation/ place of work for a day of work shadowing which the mentor will organise (February 2009)
• Student Presentation (Monday, 2nd March 2009)
• Awarding of Certificates (Monday, 6th April 2009)

Thank you to all our DCU alumni and students for taking part in this programme.

For more information go to www.dcu.ie/alumni or www.dcu.ie/careers