Sussex mentoring stories: Dr Eleni Kotsira
By: APRIL WILSON
Last updated: Thursday, 28 November 2024
Eleni studied as an Erasmus student at Sussex in 2013-2014 and said her experience at Sussex helped her to realise she wanted to pursue a doctoral degree. She currently works as a Senior Social Researcher at Alma Economics, an organisation advising governments and charities on policies and services to help the most vulnerable, where she leads an amazing team of Social Researchers.
Her expertise is in disaster management, research informing policy, applied research and research ethics policies. You can also find out more about Eleni on her website.
Eleni was a mentor on the 2023/2024 Global Mentoring Programme and met her recently graduated mentee monthly online.
What made you apply for the mentoring programme?
Eleni: “My time at Sussex, even though short, had a big impact on my academic career and decision-making afterwards. Becoming a mentor for the 2023/24 Global Mentoring Programme was a way to return the favour, and hopefully also have a positive impact on someone else’s career and progression.”
What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?
Eleni: “It is very refreshing to be in touch with recent graduates and students and see how your discipline has been evolving. On a professional level, this means that you better understand the profiles and needs of new hires, and that you can adjust your job offers and onboarding schemes accordingly. On a personal level, you expand your network with a young professional full of new ideas and ambition, and possibly also a friend.”
“The asks of the mentoring relationship will eventually be determined by the needs of your mentee, so make sure you listen to them carefully throughout and join the relationship with an open mind and a collaborative appetite.”
Dr Eleni Kotsira (Visiting & Exchange 2013)
What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?
Eleni: “If you come across the opportunity and find yourself pausing to think about it, then you do have something to contribute, so definitely apply. There are numerous ways you can support recent graduates or students as a mentor, but this is not a tick box exercise. It is not a matter of whether you have a certain number of skills or years of experience, rather whether you are ready to transfer whatever skills or experience you have to someone else. The asks of the mentoring relationship will eventually be determined by the needs of your mentee, so make sure you listen to them carefully throughout and join the relationship with an open mind and a collaborative appetite.”
Do you have any advice for recent graduates and students thinking of approaching a mentor?
Eleni: “Be bold! If you have identified someone who you think would be a good match as your mentor, do reach out to them and explain why you think this is the case. Remember that no one knows your needs better than you.
Once you get the mentoring relationship started, be upfront and say what you wish to get from it. Your mentor will appreciate it and be able to design the right type of mentoring pack for you. There may be some occasions where your mentor may not be able to support you with a certain ask, but they will still be able to guide you to the right alternative. Above all, your mentor is giving you their time and experience, so make sure you make good use of these while you have them.”
While Eleni met her mentee 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.