Mentoring at the Forces Employment Charity
Here at the Forces Employment Charity we have created a mentoring programme that has transformed lives for the better. This National Mentoring Day we are sharing feedback from our mentors and mentees.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a collaborative relationship between two people, the purpose of which is to support the growth and career development of a mentee. By providing mentees a formal or informal space to talk through aspirations mentoring can dramatically transform career trajectories. Through confidence-building exercises, goal-setting and feedback, the mentor/mentee relationship can create a path to a brighter future.
Mentee feedback
For me a mentor is someone who selflessly gives up their time, to share their knowledge and expertise in order to empower others. My Forces Employment Mentor has done that for me, helping me as I continuously work towards being the best version of myself.
Anonymous
I would highly recommend this mentoring programme to all veterans. Not only did I gain invaluable experience and support from my mentor, transferring my military skills into civilian terminology for my CV, Sarah also helped me to realise my full potential and boost my confidence. Through her sound advice for my interview and top tips, I managed to secure my dream job!
Alexandra
I was made redundant at the start of the pandemic and after 6 months, was really despondent about the lack of reply from applications for jobs. RFEA gave me some fresh wind in my sails and helped focus me in how to utilise my skills to get employed. The mentoring service was outstanding, matching a similar personality to me as a mentor to use as a sounding board and mentor until I found a role that suited me.
Kenny
Had a fantastic experience with my mentor in getting different perspectives on the job market and, most valuable of all, great tips and advice on networking through Linked-in. Realising that Linked-in could be used in such an effective way was an eye-opener.
Mark
The mentoring programme has been fulfilling and successful. Since getting on the programme I have experienced higher job satisfaction and I consider it more meaningful. I have benefitted from growing my personal network outside my colleagues. My mentor has helped me achieve my career goals so I would strongly recommend to any ex-servicemen or women to get on the programme.
Seru
I found the Forces Employment Charity mentoring programme to be very helpful as it gave me access to an ‘industry insider’ to be able to ask questions and bounce ideas off of. The job searching and interview advice I received was invaluable and I have recently received a job offer from a large FinTech company as a result. I would definitely recommend the program to others.
Harry
I would thoroughly recommend signing up for a mentor. My mentor Deano has a wealth of experience from civi street. He has been a mentor multiple times before and knows how to make best use of the sessions, with a clear goal for each call. He gave useful suggestions to tweak my CV and we conducted interview rehearsals where he provided valuable instruction. Having been unemployed for 3 months, his guidance paid dividends far more quickly than I was expecting. Many thanks!
Alastair
I was made redundant at the start of the pandemic and after 6 months, was really despondent about the lack of reply from applications for jobs. RFEA gave me some fresh wind in my sails and helped focus me in how to utilise my skills to get employed. The mentoring service was outstanding, matching a similar personality to me as a mentor to use as a sounding board and mentor until I found a role that suited me.
Kenny
It has helped build my confidence with identifying the skills I actual have and how to tailor same with the advertised roles. I have also received pointers on how to prepare for interviews for specific jobs. My Mentor has had an open-door policy which enables me to benefit from guidance as soon as an opportunity is available for which I intend to apply.
Wisdom
Mentor feedback
I absolutely love being a part of the veteran mentoring programme, the relationships that are created through the programme are amazing and the best part is hearing all the incredible stories of how this has positively impacted veterans.
Sophie Endean – Salesforce mentor
Mentoring with Forces Employment is a very rewarding experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to meet some amazing veterans who have taught me a lot. With Forces Employment I have had the chance to help others achieve their goals and overcome fears, which I find to be a very special feeling. I am grateful to all of my mentees for allowing me to support them and for their commitment to working together.
Elisa Buckley – Zendesk mentor
The opportunity to support, guide and advise mentees through the Forces Employment Charity mentoring programme is one I am extremely proud to be a part of and continue my involvement with.
Rupert – Seeking out Solutions
The extraordinary thing about being a mentor is understanding that it is a two way thing. I love that I can share my experience and thoughts with others knowing that what we chat about is helping them. However, I am constantly delighted in what my mentees teach me. It’s so uplifting to listen and learn from others. So the reason why I love mentoring in the Salesforce Military Programme is that I know I can help others, but am excited to know that they help me too.
Deano – Salesforce mentor
I’m now working with my second mentee through Forces Employment Charity via the Salesforce Military programme. Honestly think I get more out of it than my mentees do! Forces Employment Charity works with people who have left the Armed Forces, but are struggling to find work for various reasons. Although the stories from my mentees have been pretty harrowing (I confess to having tears pouring down my face when one of my mentees told me their story) – the two lovely people I have been working with are just awesome. Their strength of character, willingness to push themselves into new situations, and general organization skills have made it pretty easy, honestly, to help them find work. My first mentee was delighted to find work within a month of us starting out as a team. We still keep in touch to discuss any issues relating to working life. My second mentee is job hunting but is also working on extending her community support. And building her self-confidence. Their ability to overcome difficult situations with just a bit of guidance from me has boosted their confidence and put a big smile on my face every time I speak with them.
Lea Thompson, Salesforce Mentor
The drive, determination to succeed and commitment shown by the mentees I’ve had the pleasure of working with, gives me the motivation to come back over and over again. I love the way our conversations often start out with a specific focus, (i.e. can you help me rewrite my CV,) and end up going deeper on personal development. It’s humbling how veterans hold my views in high regard and tell me how much value they place on our time together.
Ryan Soper-Powell – Zendesk
In need of support?
If you are a Service leaver, veteran, reservist, or family member register with us to receive free employment support, including mentoring, at any stage in your career.
