Sussex mentoring stories: Joan Sim
By: APRIL WILSON
Last updated: Thursday, 11 September 2025
Joan Sim graduated from Sussex with a MA in International Relations in 2013 and currently works as a Legal Specialist for Google. Prior to her current role, she worked at various top law firms providing litigation support to attorneys and partners and supported in trial preparation.
Joan joined the Mentor Directory after we were unable to find her a match on the structured Global Mentoring Programme. The Mentor Directory is an online directory of alumni who have indicated they are willing to mentor members of the Sussex community that academic year. Mentees who were not matched on the programme will receive the Directory and can use it to self-select their mentor. Joan was contacted by her mentee through Sussex Connect and throughout the year they met monthly via video chat.
What made you apply for the mentoring programme?
I am at a stage in my career where I have gained useful insights that could help others accelerate their career growth. I wish I had this resource when I was newer in my career because it would have helped to frame my perspective about what's important to focus on and it would have saved me from a lot of trial and error.
What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?
A sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I have equipped my mentee with the tools to help her excel. Ultimately, it will be her hard work and dedication that gets her there, but I am happy to have provided the stepping stones to help her make that leap from law student to legal professional. I see a lot of my younger self in my mentee: we have the same doubts, reservations, inclinations – especially the inclination to work furiously in the background without drawing attention to ourselves. However, over the course of my career, I've learned that getting what you deserve comes from visibility and creating impact.
“The insider perspective that the mentor can provide will guide your decision-making to ensure that you are embarking on a career path that you will enjoy, as well as set expectations about your day-to-day workflow.”
Joan Sim (MA International Relations 2011)
What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?
I would absolutely recommend it. It is invaluable to speak with someone who is already working in the field you aspire to work in. The insider perspective that the mentor can provide will guide your decision-making to ensure that you are embarking on a career path that you will enjoy, as well as set expectations about your day-to-day workflow. Additionally, they will be able to provide insight on the qualities and skills needed to enter and advance in that career field.
Do you have any advice for recent graduates and students thinking of approaching a mentor?
When approaching a mentor, it is helpful to take steps to ensure a good match. The chosen mentor should already be working in the career field of which you aspire to so that they will have specific knowledge of the industry rather than just generalised knowledge. Additionally, communicating your goals to your mentor early on is crucial. This will ensure the mentoring relationship is more beneficial and targeted to your goals.
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.