Mentoring stories

Left: Mentee Abdul Rehman Hayat. Right: Mentor Tom Murphy

Current Masters student Abdul Rehman Hayat and alumnus Tom Murphy began their mentoring relationship during the 2024/25 Global Mentoring Programme.

Tom studied a MSc in Chemistry at Sussex, graduating in 1970. In his career, he developed a strong expertise in logistics and operations across the value chain; leading multidisciplinary, global teams and building relationships at the executive level. He is now retired and lives in France. Tom is also a keen photographer and Vice-President of l'Association Spot-Nature, which are a volunteer-led association that run a Nature Photo Festival every year.

Abdul Rehman is currently studying a MSc in Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management and said he joined the mentoring programme because as an international student the university experience can often feel “overwhelming” and said, “the thought of having someone to talk to who truly understood my situation and could offer practical guidance was very reassuring”.

Abdul Rehman and Tom met online throughout the Global Mentoring Programme and Tom said he volunteered to be a mentor because he felt “it was time to start giving back”. Tom has mentored on the Global Mentoring Programme since 2021, starting as part of our pilot mentoring programme. He said that he has enjoyed meeting new people over the years through taking part in the Global Mentoring Programme and having the opportunity to improve his listening skills. 

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

Abdul Rehman: “I liked the idea of being guided by someone who had already been through what I was experiencing at the time and could foresee the challenges I might face. As an international student, settling in could sometimes feel overwhelming, and the thought of having someone to talk to who truly understood my situation and could offer practical guidance was very reassuring.”

Tom: “I have remained in contact with Sussex – I am a Sussex Consul and connect with Sussex over social media. When I retired, I felt it was time to start giving back. I was already active in working groups in my town but when I saw a message about the Global Mentoring Programme, it really seemed to tick all the boxes. I wasn't too sure about what I was getting myself into, but I've always been willing to look for new challenges, and this looked like a good one.”

“The guidance I received on career planning, adapting to challenges, and building confidence in a new environment has been invaluable.”

Abdul Rehman Hayat (MSc Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management 2024)

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

Abdul Rehman: “My mentoring relationship has given me a lot of clarity about what I need to do to achieve the goals I have set for myself, both personal and professional. The guidance I received on career planning, adapting to challenges, and building confidence in a new environment has been invaluable. More importantly, the biggest gain is knowing that I now have a friend for life.”

Tom: “Satisfaction from feeling I am still useful, the fun of meeting new people and the chance to improve my listening skills.”

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Abdul Rehman: “I would say that this is one of the most undervalued programmes at Sussex. Many students have no idea what a hidden gem it really is and how much it can help them in navigating university life and shaping their future goals.”

Tom: “Think about it seriously. It is a serious commitment that you have to make because you will have someone each year who will be relying on you for support. But try it, because it is so rewarding.”

“Don't be intimidated because you have someone with more experience and who is most probably older than you. They are not going to judge you, they are there to accompany you and to help you find your solutions to your interests and issues.”

Tom Murphy (MSc Chemistry 1966)

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

Abdul Rehman: “Approach a mentor with an open mind and a clear sense of what you hope to gain from the relationship. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your challenges, both academic and personal, and seek guidance. Mentors are there to support you and have often been through similar experiences. Building a trusting and honest relationship with your mentor can provide invaluable insights, help you navigate university or early career challenges, and give you confidence in shaping your goals.”

Tom: “Don't be intimidated because you have someone with more experience and who is most probably older than you. They are not going to judge you, they are there to accompany you and to help you find your solutions to your interests and issues.  They are not your parents nor your boss, you are in a safe space where you can talk openly of what you what you want from them.”

While Abdul Rehman and Tom 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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