Mentoring stories

Chevening Scholar Daniel Ngg Cho (MSc Human Resource Management 2023) and Ann Grace (Social Anthropology 1974) began their mentoring relationship on Sussex Connect during the 2023/2024 Global Mentoring Programme. Daniel and Ann were matched together after their initial matches decided to not continue on the programme.

After graduating, Ann qualified as a solicitor and practiced law for six years. She then moved to the United States and changed careers, gaining a Masters degree in Finance and worked for a global consulting company in Treasury. Daniel came to Sussex from his home country in Samoa and has recently graduated from the University of Sussex Business School.

Ann and Daniel met online throughout the programme and as a mentor, Ann said it was “a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a student's life”. Daniel said he joined the programme because he wasn’t sure about his next steps and was “keen on hearing a different perspective in a safe, professional and established environment”.

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

Daniel: “I was struggling at the beginning of my course as I was settling in to a new country I had never been to. I was not familiar with the weather, the education system, the city, nor the people. As such, I saw the mentoring programme as an opportunity to gain the confidence and support that I needed to successfully complete my studies.

I was also not sure about the direction I was heading with my studies, and I was keen on hearing a different perspective in a safe, professional and established environment.”

Ann: “Leaving university and starting the next phase is such a critical time in a student's life. And it's probably the first time a student has looked for a career job, rather than a "make some cash" job. Personally, I had no idea how to approach this and made what turned out to be a reasonable choice, but I think I would have benefited and chosen a better path by having access to adults (not parents) who knew more about the world "out there", so I wanted to be part of that change.”

“The mentoring experience was truly transformative, fostering both personal and professional growth.”

Daniel Ngg Cho (MSc Human Resource Management 2023)

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

Daniel: “I had two mentors and they were instrumental in my success during my studies. My mentors provided me with valuable guidance and advice on navigating my studies, adjusting to a new culture, and achieving my goals whilst maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Not only did I achieve distinction in all nine modules, but I also gained a newfound clarity about my academic path and future career. My mentor Ann played a pivotal role in helping me connect the dots between my differing experiences in the public and private sectors, and my field of study, providing insights I wouldn't have discovered on my own. My first mentor was a recent Sussex graduate, so she provided me with practical tips as a student in addition to the professional advice she generously gave.”

Ann: “Incredible respect for my mentee's focus, ambition and resourcefulness. I really liked Daniel. I liked the training part too – it helped me think about how to interact with my own sons and their career decisions. The training reinforced the importance of listening, searching for and following the threads of other people's interests.”

How did the mentoring experience transform you?

Daniel: “Hearing my mentors' stories, understanding how they navigated challenges, and witnessing the interconnectedness of their experiences broadened my perspective on life's possibilities. It instilled a sense of hope, reminding me that there's so much more to life than the obstacles we face.

The mentoring experience was truly transformative, fostering both personal and professional growth. I've developed invaluable skills like active listening, connecting the dots in people's narratives, and drawing out their inner potential without imposing my own beliefs. These skills, I hope, will enable me to become a mentor myself someday.”

“Most people want to help make this world a better place. This is a concrete way to 'pay it forward'.”

Ann Grace (Social Anthropology 1974)

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Daniel: “Seize the opportunity. My own experience has been extremely rewarding, both emotionally and professionally. Mentors can offer vital advice, support, and encouragement as you pursue your studies or profession. They can provide a new perspective, help you draw the connections between your experiences and goals, and challenge you to grow in ways you may not have considered on your own.”

Ann: “It's a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a student's life, by being a thought partner at a time when they are exploring options. Most people want to help make this world a better place. This is a concrete way to 'pay it forward'.”

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

Daniel: "It's okay to be unsure of your future plans after completing your degree. Mentoring allows you to learn in advance what you don't know from other people's experiences.

More practical advice would be to:

• Be prepared. When you approach a potential mentor, be prepared to articulate your goals and explain why you think they would be a good fit.
• Be respectful of their time. Remember that mentors are often busy professionals. Be mindful of their commitments.
• Be proactive. Don't wait for your mentor to reach out to you. Take the initiative to schedule meetings and follow up on any actions.
• Be open to feedback. Your mentor will likely offer constructive feedback. Be open to hearing their perspectives and use their insights to grow.”

Ann: “Check the mentor's LinkedIn and Sussex Connect profile to see if they are likely to have experience in your areas of interest. Remember that a mentor’s time may be in very short supply, so show up on time and prepared. The mentor is a thought partner, not a shortcut to a job.

If the mentor relationship is not a good fit, let them know quickly and look for another mentor.”

While Ann and Daniel 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.

Find out more about an MSc in Human Resource Management at the University of Sussex Business School.

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