Mentoring stories

Left: Mentee Simal. Right: Mentor David 

Recent BSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) graduate Simal Naz Yildiz joined the Global Mentoring Programme after graduating in 2025. After completing her studies, she realised how broad the tech industry is and sought a mentor to gain extra guidance on all the different pathways available to get a better understanding of what roles to apply for.

While at Sussex she was active in university life and was a member of HackSussex (The University of Sussex computing society hosting hackathons, workshops, socials, and collaborative events for students of all skill levels) and organised events and sourced speakers as the Events Manager for the Sussex FinTech and Bank Society. Alongside this, Simal worked as a Student Connector, which involved engaging with students in shaping their university experience, and was active in the Tennis society and Philosophy Society.

Her mentor, David Lane, studied a BSc in Computing Science and Artificial Intelligence at Sussex, graduating in 2004. After graduation David spent over 20 years of his career building software and AI systems and in 2013 founded his own company – Fat Fish Digital. His company finds, tests and connects customers to the best AI, data and mobile tools to help solve their business problems.

David and Simal met online during the 2025/26 Global Mentoring Programme and David said he volunteered to be a mentor because he “wanted to help the next generation coming through into tech and AI”.

Their mentoring relationship shows how our University of Sussex volunteering community help support Sussex graduates as they enter the job market by advising them on how to stand out while also helping to boost their confidence.

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

Simal: “As a recent graduate, I realised how broad the tech industry really is once you leave university. There are so many different roles, specialisations, and directions you can take, and I wanted guidance from someone who had already navigated that journey. The mentoring programme felt like an opportunity to better understand the industry beyond job titles and learn how to build a career with intention rather than just applying blindly.”

David: “I wanted to help the next generation coming through into tech and AI. It's a field that's moving incredibly fast, and I remember how much it would have meant to me as a student to have someone in the industry to bounce ideas off. The pace of change in AI means students are navigating a landscape that didn't really exist a few years ago.”

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

Simal: “Perspective – my mentor built his own company years ago, so hearing how he approached opportunities, adapted to industry changes, and built his career made the path ahead feel more realistic and achievable. David also helped me understand how to stand out among other graduates and gave practical advice based on his own experience with technology.”

David: “Honestly, more than I expected. Working with Simal gave me a real shot of energy and optimism – there's something about talking with someone early in their career, full of curiosity and ambition, that reminds you why you got into this work in the first place. As a CEO it's easy to get pulled into the day-to-day, so having those conversations was a brilliant reset.”

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Simal: “Take the opportunity. Having guidance from someone who has already experienced the challenges of starting a career can provide clarity, confidence, and practical advice that you may not get elsewhere.  The programme allows you to ask honest questions about careers, challenges, and uncertainty in a way that feels much more personal than searching online.”

David: “Do it. The time commitment is genuinely small, and the impact - both ways - is much bigger than you'd think. You don't need to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to share what you've learned and ask good questions. If you've built up experience in your field, there's almost certainly someone earlier in their journey who'd benefit from hearing it.”

“As a Sussex alumnus it's easy to drift away from the university once you're deep into your career, but mentoring brought me back in a really meaningful way.”

David Lane (BSc Computing Science and Artificial Intelligence 2001)

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

Simal: “My advice would be to stay open minded and ask questions without worrying about having all the answers. Mentors can provide valuable perspectives and industry knowledge, but it’s important to actively engage, be curious, and make the most of the opportunity to learn from their experience.”

David: “Reach out, and don't overthink it. Most people genuinely want to help, we're flattered to be asked. Come with specific things you're thinking about rather than a vague "can you mentor me," and be open about where you're at. Also, mentoring doesn't have to be formal or long-term. A few good conversations at the right moment can shape a decision or open a door.”

“The mentoring programme helped me better understand which career paths matched my interests and what skills employers value in different areas of tech and AI.”

Simal Naz Yildiz (BSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence 2023)

How did the mentoring programme make you feel reconnected to Sussex?

David: “It was lovely, actually. As a Sussex alumnus it's easy to drift away from the university once you're deep into your career, but mentoring brought me back in a really meaningful way. Hearing about what students are working on now, how the courses have evolved, the kinds of problems they're tackling – it gave me a fresh sense of what Sussex is producing and made me proud to be part of that community.”

How did taking part in the mentoring programme expand your network?

Simal: “The programme connected me with students and graduates from completely different academic backgrounds, which made the experience more interesting than I expected. Hearing how people from other disciplines approached career decisions, challenges, and professional development gave me a broader perspective and helped me appreciate how interconnected different industries and skill sets can be.”

How did taking part in the mentoring programme help your future career?

Simal: “The mentoring programme helped me better understand which career paths matched my interests and what skills employers value in different areas of tech and AI. It also helped me prepare for future opportunities by improving my understanding of the industry, how to present myself professionally, and how to stand out during applications and interviews.”

While Simal and David 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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