Mentoring stories

Left: Mentee Aisling Byrne. Right: Mentor Maurice Pigaht

Recent graduate Aisling Byrne and alumnus Maurice Pigaht began their mentoring relationship during the 2024/25 Global Mentoring Programme.

Maurice studied an MSc in Experimental Psychology at Sussex, graduating in 2021. He works as both a consultant for entrepreneurs and as an energy policy expert, with 22 years of experience in the renewable energy sector in developing markets. Throughout his career Maurice has worked for a wide range of companies, project developers, government agencies and development agencies in over 20 countries in the EU and Africa.

Recent graduate Aisling studied an MA in Development Studies at Sussex, also graduating in 2021. She currently works as an Account Director for Copper Consultancy, a full-service communications agency and global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. She has described her work as being driven by sustainability, climate action, and supporting the transition to net zero. Aisling said she applied for the mentoring programme to support her “personal development” and because she believes mentoring to be a “powerful tool”.

Maurice and Aisling met online throughout the Global Mentoring Programme and as a mentor Maurice said he applied for the programme to “maintain an active relationship with the University of Sussex”.

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

Aisling: “The programme seemed like a great opportunity to support my personal development and I believe coaching and mentoring can be an extremely powerful tool.”

Maurice: “The mentoring programme offered me a welcome way to maintain an active relationship with the University of Sussex. I found that offering mentees a receptive space to explore problems and ideas for the future made for exciting conversations and potent mentoring sessions. It felt an honour to be a part of their processes and career explorations.”

“I have built a large amount of self confidence. Especially in the aspect of having difficult conversations with senior people in the workplace.”

Aisling Bryne (MA Development Studies 2020)

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

Aisling: “I have built a large amount of self confidence. Especially in the aspect of having difficult conversations with senior people in the workplace. I have grown massively in my ability to speak up for myself and understand that no matter the outcome, by speaking out I have been true to myself. Previously, I might have looked to change roles, or the route of least resistance, but now I have learnt to trust in my abilities and recognise the value I bring and I genuinely believe this will be hugely valuable for my career.”

Maurice: “I found mentorship brought together skills from three of my professional activities: business consulting, coaching and psychotherapy, stretching me to apply them together in a new setting.”

“I would highly encourage any interested mentors to volunteer: I found the mentoring relationship stimulating and rewarding, and the limited time commitment easy to coordinate with my work.”

Maurice Pigaht (MSc Experimental Psychology 2020)

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Aisling: “Just go for it! It can be intimidating opening up to someone new, but having a new perspective and someone in your corner is truly fantastic.”

Maurice: “I would highly encourage any interested mentors to volunteer: I found the mentoring relationship stimulating and rewarding, and the limited time commitment easy to coordinate with my work. While mentoring does not require any specific skills, I found that my understanding of non-directive coaching made for more potent and helpful sessions – and I would encourage prospective coaches to familiarise themselves with these principles.”

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

Aisling: “Just ask the question or apply for the spot. The worst that can happen is they say no – but rejection is a part of life/the working world so even if the answer is no, it’s still a learning opportunity and chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Maurice: “For graduates and students, mentorship can be an amazing resource. It is also usually an expensive one, and so being able to access mentors for free through the university is a generous offer by the university and mentors – accept it! How effective a mentoring relationship is depends on the strength of the relationship you form, so look carefully at the mentors you’re offered, and if the relationship is not working out for you, feel free to request a change.”

While Aisling and Maurice 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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