Left: Mentee Chloe. Right: Mentor Roy.

Recent BSc in Computing for Digital Media graduate Chloe and alumnus Roy began their mentoring relationship during the 2024/25 Global Mentoring Programme.

Roy studied an MA in Media Studies (Multimedia) at Sussex, graduating in 1997. He currently works as a freelance Digital Consultant and Agile Coach with over 25 years experience. Roy said he wanted to join the programme as a mentor because he was keen to share his “accumulated pragmatic knowledge about the world of work and how to navigate it”.

While at Sussex recent graduate Chloe was actively involved in campus life as a member of Robogals, a society that encourages young women to explore STEM subjects, where she ran coding workshops in local schools. She also worked as a student ambassador, supporting the Media Technologies Lab on Applicant Visit Days. Beyond informatics, Chloe was part of the Sussex Badminton Squad, served as an Active US badminton activator, and was a member of the Mountaineering Club. Chloe started work at Morgan Stanley in the graduate Technology Analyst Program in 2024, having previously interned there in their Securities Reference Data and API teams. She now works as a developer in Commodities Technology.

Chloe and Roy met online throughout the programme and Chloe said she joined the programme because she was seeking some advice at the beginning of her professional career journey.

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

Chloe: “I had just started in a professional environment and wanted guidance on how to get off to a strong start. I hoped to learn from someone who had already navigated similar situations and could share their experience and wisdom.”

Roy: “I was keen to pass on some of my accumulated pragmatic knowledge about the world of work and how to navigate it. It's taken decades for me to understand how work culture and politics can impact you, positively and negatively, so if I can help someone else then that's great. I was also keen to understand the experiences of younger people entering the world of work as it's such a different experience to when I was in my early 20s.”

“Having someone to talk to about new situations has accelerated my growth and made navigating the workplace far less scary.”

Chloe (BSc Computing for Digital Media 2018)

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

Chloe: “My mentor has given me practical tools and new perspectives. I've learned how to handle challenging situations more effectively, spot and build on new opportunities, and make clearer career decisions. For example, before attending a conference, he helped me prepare in terms of how to approach other people, build rapport and follow up afterwards.”

Roy: “I've learnt a lot about how difficult it is for those at the beginning of their work lives to form proper relationships with both peers and senior colleagues; it's a challenging time which takes lots of energy and determination. It's also helped my understanding and empathy with the younger generation; attitudes to work have changed but core challenges remain the same. It's also comforting to be able to talk openly and candidly with Chloe about the specific challenges that women and ethnic minorities face in the workplace – things are getting better but there's still a lot that needs changing.”

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Chloe: “It’s been incredibly worthwhile. Having someone to talk to about new situations has accelerated my growth, making navigating the workplace far less scary and given me confidence.”

Roy: “To really get something out of the relationship you need to be open to listening and responding to each other to ensure it's an equitable, rather than deferential, relationship.”

"There's no harm in approaching a mentor – most people would be delighted to help if they have the capacity.”

Roy (MA Media Studies (Multimedia) 1996)

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

Chloe: “Go for it – mentors genuinely want to share what they've learned. Come with curiosity and a bit of preparation to make the most out of the mentorship

I'm very grateful to my mentor, Roy and I thank him sincerely for all his advice!”

Roy: “Entering a mentor relationship does take time so make sure you have enough head space to prep and focus on the sessions. There's no harm in approaching a mentor – most people would be delighted to help if they have the capacity. Don't look for a mentor that can help you find a job, or you think is "connected". Mentors can rarely help with job hunting but they can help you to see new or different perspectives.”

While Chloe and Roy 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.