Alumni news
“It was an extremely rewarding experience; I quickly realised I could make a real difference to my mentee”
By: APRIL WILSON
Last updated: Thursday, 2 October 2025
Collage of some of the mentors and mentees who took part in the 2024/2025 Global Mentoring Programme.
Did you know that as a Sussex student or graduate you have access to a huge global network united by your shared experience of studying at Sussex?
Find out more about mentoring opportunities in your Sussex community
Your exclusive online networking and mentoring platform, Sussex Connect, has over 13,000 members, providing the opportunity for connections and for mentoring relationships to form across the world.
While mentoring is available on Sussex Connect all year round, this autumn term we also offer the opportunity for Sussex students to be matched with a mentor in our annual structured online mentoring programme.
Register here for the introductory event
You can find out about this year’s Global Mentoring Programme at our online event on Wednesday 15 October 2025, at 5 - 6pm. During the session you will find out more about what to expect from a mentoring relationship, hear from past participants and find out why you should take part.
Find out more now and register for the programme
What are the timings for the programme?
This year we are trialling a more condensed programme, which will take place between November 2025 – February 2026.
What is my commitment?
Mentors and mentees are asked to commit to meeting for a minimum of one hour per month during the programme. We encourage mentors and mentees to prepare for these meetings, which will take up approximately an additional hour of your time per month.
Please note, we will be offering training for mentors and mentees at the start of the programme, which will have an additional time commitment.
We will also in our mentoring guidance advise that pairs meet twice in their first month on the programme together, however, please note this is optional and not required.
Who can sign up?
Mentor places are open to alumni from any discipline and graduation year.
Mentee places are open to recent graduates from the University of Sussex as well as to second year, third/ final year undergraduate students and postgraduate students of any discipline.
What happens if I don’t get matched with a mentee?
Unfortunately, places on this year’s Global Mentoring Programme are limited so we may not be able to match everyone that applies. However, we will keep your information on file, and you will be the first person we contact if a spot becomes available or if a mentee contacts us asking for support throughout the year.
What are the mentoring opportunities for recent graduates?
Recent graduates (anyone who has graduated in the last three years from Sussex) can take part as a mentee to further their professional development. As a recent graduate you can also get involved by offering to be an alumni mentor.
“It was an extremely rewarding experience; I quickly realised I could make a real difference to my mentee.”
Tom Furnival Adams (English 2005)
Alumni mentor on our 2024/25 Global Mentoring Programme.
Why should I sign up?
Mentoring is a powerful method of professional development, and it can benefit individuals across all job roles and functions, within any department of discipline.
“Through this mentoring relationship I have learned as much as I have shared.”
Lisa Fransson (Russian and Linguistics 1995)
Alumni mentor on our 2024/25 Global Mentoring Programme.
What are the benefits of being a mentor?
By becoming a Sussex Connect mentor, you can not only improve your leadership skills and reflect on your own achievements, but you can also use your valuable experience to potentially help change someone's world for the better.
“Go for it. Take the training and think how these skills can enrich your professional future and how you can also help others by learning these traits.”
Andrea Valdés Hernández (MA Geopolitics and Grand Strategy 2017)
Alumni mentor since 2022.
You can read about Andrea’s mentoring relationship with mentee Sara on our mentoring stories pages.
What are the benefits of being a mentee?
The Global Mentoring Programme offers the opportunity for you to prepare for life after graduation with guidance from someone who studied at Sussex too.
Being mentored by a Sussex graduate who has experience in your field of interest can have many personal and professional benefits, at any stage in your career, including:
- A supportive mentoring relationship in which to explore professional challenges
- Confidential and objective discussions
- New insights and the ability to view things from different perspectives
- Guidance from a more experienced career professional
- Constructive feedback that challenges you to adopt new ways of thinking
- Tailored support appropriate to your situation
- Space to think about longer term development
“Having someone who constantly believes in you and sees your ambition, hard work and potential has put me on the right course to conquer my imposter syndrome.”
Mateusz Kobylec (Business and Management Studies 2022)
Reflecting on his experience with mentor Aymeric on the 2024/2025 Global Mentoring Programme.
What support will I receive?
As a mentor or mentee on the Global Mentoring Programme, the Office for Advancement will be available for support every step of the way.
Support for Mentors
- Mentors will be invited to an initial online introduction session on 12 November, 5 - 6pm.
- Monthly check-ins from the Office for Advancement.
- Regular support from our exclusive mentor group on Sussex Connect (which will remain open until August 2026).
- A comprehensive guide to the programme and many different example sessions you can run with your mentee.
- Monthly mentor Forum meetings where you can network online with your fellow mentors and ask the Advancement team any questions.
Support for Mentees
- Mentees will be invited to an introduction session to the programme on 6 November, 5 - 6pm.
- Monthly check-ins from the Office for Advancement.
- Regular support from our exclusive mentee group on Sussex Connect.
- A comprehensive guide to the programme.
- Monthly Mentee Forum sessions where you can network with your fellow mentees, find out more about what alumni benefits are available to you and ask the Advancement team any questions.
- A certificate for taking part in the programme, that can be highlighted on your CV.
- Help with how to log your mentoring activities as part of the Spirit of Sussex Award.
How do I sign up?
Places on this year’s programme are open now for applications until Sunday 19 October 2025.
Spaces on this year’s programme are limited. We encourage you to include as much information as possible on your application form to help us find you a mentoring match.
Please note that your 2025/26 Global Mentoring Programme will be hosted through Sussex Connect – if you have not already registered for Sussex Connect, it is quick and easy to set up a profile.
Remember, you are always a part of Sussex and as part of our Global Mentoring Programme you will see the benefits your Sussex network can bring.