Mentoring stories
Our international network of mentors and mentees work together to achieve the mentee’s goals across any career stage. Read their stories here.
Sussex mentoring stories: Charlie and Demetra
By: APRIL WILSON
Last updated: Thursday, 24 October 2024
Left: Mentee Charlie Hills. Right: Mentor Demetra Pallis
Recent graduate Charlie Hills (Marketing and Management 2016) and alumna Demetra Pallis (Psychology 1991) began their mentoring relationship on Sussex Connect during the 2023/2024 Global Mentoring Programme.
Demetra graduated from Sussex in 1994 and before starting her own company had a successful career in marketing research and consultancy. She is now co-founder and owner of Young Carpo, a skin-care range designed for Generation Z.
Since graduating Charlie has founded several companies and now specialises in using AI in content creation and production. He was named by Favikon as one of the Top 50 LinkedIn Creators in the UK.
Demetra and Charlie met online throughout the programme as Demetra is based in Greece and Charlie said he applied for the programme because he “always wanted to be mentored” and saw it as a great opportunity to connect with his 200,000-strong global Sussex alumni network. As a mentor, Demetra said she received “much more than I imagined I could from a mentoring programme”.
What made you apply for the mentoring programme?
Charlie: “I've always wanted to be mentored, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to get involved through the alumni network.”
Demetra: “I was keen to both help and learn from Generation Z.”
“Go into it with an open mind. You might have many mentors over your career.”
Charlie Hills (Marketing and Management 2016)
What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?
Charlie: “Valuable insights and grounding during my time as I transitioned from full-time work to freelance. My mentor's timely advice was much appreciated.”
Demetra: “I gained many things from the relationship: respect and the reassurance that I can help, insight into my mentees area of expertise and a friend from a younger generation!”
“I mentored to ‘give’ but received much more than I imagined I could from a mentorship programme.”
Demetra Pallis (Psychology 1991)
What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?
Charlie: “I don't see what the drawbacks are to be honest. It makes total sense to have a more experienced individual advise you on your career.”
Demetra: “I mentored to ‘give’ but received much more than I imagined I could from a mentorship programme.”
Do you have any advice for recent graduates and students thinking of approaching a mentor?
Charlie: “Go into it with an open mind. You might have many mentors over your career. Don't feel like this experience has to be a perfect one as it's just the beginning of your career and potential mentee experience. Just take it all in and enjoy the experience.”
Demetra: “Don’t hesitate to open up about work/career concerns as mentors have often been in your shoes!”
While Charlie and Demetra met through the Global 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.