Making a difference through mentoring

Mentoring isn’t a one-way street

When two individuals get together through the MentorMe programme, it often benefits both of them. Students gain invaluable guidance in how to make the most of their time at the Erasmus School of Economics from someone who has likely faced the same issues a few years earlier, as well as the inside track into future careers. Meanwhile, their mentors are likely to reflect on their careers by sharing their experiences and gaining insights from the students.

Common grounds 

“I had chosen the same master's that Farai is now studying – International Economics - so we immediately had something in common. It soon became clear that he was concerned about how he was doing because studying remotely in a new country and at another university was very challenging. I reassured him that he sounded well on track to succeed and should also take time out at the weekends to relax, have fun and get to know the Netherlands.”

Farai's story

Farai had decided to head for Rotterdam to broaden his knowledge of the world: “After I graduated from Nottingham Trent University with my bachelor’s degree, my parents urged me to seize my opportunity to study overseas, as they had done. They said, now you have the chance to go abroad, why not take it? ESE has a great reputation and I know I made the right choice.”

“Lockdown learning was quite difficult but once the country opened up, encouraged by Amber, I really started to enjoy the Netherlands.  Along the way, I’ve met people from all over the world and learned to be more independent.”

“I’m planning to graduate early in 2023 so now we’re talking about polishing my CV and writing impressive application letters so hopefully I can get a job in consultancy in the Netherlands. Amber knows so much and has worked in this area herself. My professional network has grown tremendously over the last 18 months and I’ve returned the favour by giving her some contacts in Zimbabwe, where I lived with my family before we moved to the UK when I was nine.”

Amber's motivation

Amber’s motivation for becoming a mentor stemmed from a desire to give something back to the next generation of students, but she has also found herself looking back at life since graduation.

“Mentoring gave me a lot of reflection time, I was asked about my career, why I switched jobs and made the choices that I did and what I’m likely to do in the future. Since leaving ESE I’ve had three jobs. I’ve enjoyed all of them and learned a lot about myself. It’s not a problem if you change your mind and do something different. And it’s OK if the first job is not the perfect one. While I was a student, I signed up for internships and even taught English for six weeks to Syrian refugees in Beirut through the Nour Project. I encourage my mentees to study hard, of course, but also try new experiences.”

“I now know I want to do something meaningful, tackling poverty and inequality in a multicultural environment. At the moment, I’m based in Senegal, working on strengthening partnerships involving solar energy in West Africa and I’m happy to carry on mentoring, provided the wifi is good enough!”

She advises potential mentors that support is always available from ESE and that they won’t be expected to step outside the role. “I was a bit wary at the beginning but I was reassured I’m not a student adviser or a therapist, that’s not what I’m there to do. You support them in the meetings and then direct them to other sources of help if needed.

Farai’s recommendation

Leaving the last words to Farai, would he recommend students seek a mentor? “Yes and absolutely yes if you’re an international student. If you want to know more about ESE, life in the Netherlands and the Dutch job market, you can’t beat hearing from someone who’s been there and done it. 100% yes.”

Would you like to give back to students who are currently studying at Erasmus School of Economics (ESE)? Become a Mentor!