Mentoring stories

Left: Mentee Maisie. Right: Mentor Becky

Recent BSc Psychology graduate Maisie Collins joined the Global Mentoring Programme in 2025 to gain further insights into her field and “bridge the gap between academic study and real world careers”.

Her mentor alumna Becky Rose graduated from Sussex in 2002 with a BA in Psychology. She later trained as a speech and language therapist, working with adult patients in both acute and community NHS settings. After completing a Masters degree in Healthcare Leadership and Commissioning at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, she moved into practice development and leadership roles within primary care education and development. For the past two years Becky has worked as Health Professional Engagement Manager for the charity Stroke Association.

Becky and Maisie met online during the 2025/26 Global Mentoring Programme and Becky said she volunteered to be a mentor because she wanted to “give something back to Sussex”.

Their mentoring experience highlights how impactful our University of Sussex volunteering community is and the essential network of support they offer to Sussex graduates as they navigate the job market post graduation.

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

Maisie: “I wanted to gain insight into the industry and understand the variety of pathways from an established individual in the field.

I was keen to connect with professionals, develop my network and bridge the gap between academic study and real-world careers. Psychology is a very broad subject, so finding your path within so many options can be overwhelming. My mentor, Becky, helped me investigate possible options and understand what qualities of a future career are important to me.”

Becky: “I was looking to give something back to Sussex by supporting a recent graduate. I've benefitted from similar support in the past, and I wanted to hopefully be of help to someone else as they look to move forward in their career.”

"My mentor, Becky, put me in touch with around 10 professionals from different areas of the psychology industry. Her connections meant I had one-on-one meetings…to ask them about their career paths and views on the industry.”

Maisie Collins (BSc Psychology 2021)

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

Maisie: “I have hugely benefitted from participating in the Global Mentoring Programme. From gaining valuable industry knowledge, receiving personalised advice and constructive feedback to feeling much more prepared going forwards in my career.

My mentor, Becky, put me in touch with around 10 professionals from different areas of the psychology industry. Her connections meant I had one-on-one meetings with many professionals to be able to ask them about their career paths and views on the industry. This not only helped me gain clarity on which career paths interested me most but also assisted in me developing a more realistic understanding of the industry.

My mentor would set weekly tasks which would help me understand my personality traits, skills and what kind of job I would thrive in. These tasks were always relevant, well suited to me and productive in helping build a picture of what I want out of a career.”

Becky: “I currently don't have a supervisory or managerial aspect in my role, which is something I miss. Being a mentor gives me that positive feeling of providing support for someone to develop and grow. It's very rewarding to be able to provide guidance for someone at a pivotal time in their working life.”

"It was great to connect with a recent graduate and hear about their Sussex experience, as well hearing from other Sussex graduates across the country and worldwide in the mentor sessions – it made me feel a true part of the alumni network.”

Becky Rose (BA Psychology 1999 and MSc Healthcare Leadership and Commissioning 2020)

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Maisie: “I would encourage them to go for it as it is a valuable opportunity to learn from someone experienced who can help both your personal and professional growth. Having someone to talk to about new opportunities accelerated my growth and strengthened my confidence when navigating my career.

Being proactive maximises the experience, with mentoring relationships opening doors that you wouldn’t normally have access to. I am extremely grateful to my mentor, Becky, for the time she invested in me throughout the programme. She was amazing at helping me pursue new possibilities, refining my CV and providing expert knowledge of the industry.”

Becky: “Give it a go, you probably have more to offer than you think! It also doesn't take up too much time, and the resources and support provided by the programme for mentors are excellent.”

Do you have any advice for recent graduates and students thinking of approaching a mentor?

Maisie: “My advice is don’t be afraid to reach out – most people are happy to help! With that said, be clear about your goals and come to each meeting prepared to be respectful of their time. Be open to feedback and willing to learn, your mentor may be able to see you in new paths that you never saw for yourself. Lastly, I believe it is important to remember that mentors are there to guide, not decide for you. I have had a great experience in this mentoring programme and I would absolutely embrace any future mentoring opportunities.”

Becky: “Be proactive and explore all the options on offer from Sussex as you look to progress in your career. Mentoring will help keep you on track and give you some structure as you look to move into your career of choice or make a change in your working life.”

Finally, Becky, how did the mentoring programme make you feel reconnected to Sussex?

“It was great to connect with a recent graduate and hear about their Sussex experience, as well hearing from other Sussex graduates across the country and worldwide in the mentor sessions – it made me feel a true part of the alumni network.”

While Maisie and Becky met through the mentoring programme, you don’t need the University to organise mentoring relationships on your behalf. You can find your own mentor on Sussex Connect. Simply create an account, search for alumni already in the industry you’re interested in and send them a message. Make sure to look out for those who say they are ‘Willing to help’ in their profile.

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