We worked with fast-growing challenger bank Gatehouse to design and manage Gateway: a bespoke, end-to-end apprenticeship programme to help them inspire, engage and hire more socially diverse talent. That included a mentoring scheme, where we paired 11 promising candidates with a Gatehouse hiring manager for weekly sessions to help them better understand the career opportunities open to them.
Rohan was a Gateway mentee who was unsure whether to pursue an apprenticeship or go to university. Here, he explains how mentoring helped him gain clarity about his next steps, giving him the confidence to enrol in an Economics degree at the University of Bristol.
Rohan, how did mentoring help you decide on your next steps after school?
We discussed the avenues I could take after A-Levels and concluded that, to pursue my aim of working in the financial sector in a senior position, going to a Russell Group university and studying an economics-focused course would be most beneficial. Being able to consider the pros and cons of each route to achieving my career goal, working with someone in a senior position who had experience of going to university, made the process of deciding my next steps far less worrying.
How did mentoring help you decide on the career you wanted to pursue?
Without a mentor, I would have remained very narrow-minded about jobs in the financial sector and would have become more stressed not knowing what to do after university. After watching The Big Short and The Wolf of Wall Street I told my mentor I wanted to work in the stock markets…! However, we discussed the requirements of working in those roles and I became more aware of the other jobs that exist in financial services.
What insight did you gain through mentoring?
We discussed where we saw the future of the financial market going and I became aware that a strong computer-based skillset would give me an advantage over other applicants – especially as the ability to code is becoming essential in this market. Having someone so interested in their job inspired me to work hard to achieve high grades in my A-Levels, so I could reach a senior position in my career.
How did mentoring help you stand out when applying for jobs?
When a company sees a senior employee in the financial sector has mentored you they’re impressed, because it shows dedication – you’re willing to put in the legwork to achieve your career goals. The career market is particularly competitive, so having a mentor in my network gave me an edge over other people when applying for jobs.
Students, wondering if an apprenticeship could be for you? Find out how we’ve helped thousands of young people from diverse backgrounds to connect with employers, learn new skills, and embark on successful careers.
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