Chance
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
My Peer Mentor made such a difference to my experience in the first year of university as I had someone who I could get advice from whether that was university related or things outside of my studies.
Being a Peer Mentor
I decided to first become a Peer Mentor in my second year of my degree as I know how overwhelming it can be moving to a brand-new city and barely know anyone in the city. My Peer Mentor made such a difference to my experience in the first year of university as I had someone who I could get advice from whether that was university related or things outside of my studies.
Now as a Senior Peer Mentor in my third year, my role is to promote good practice in peer mentoring whilst also helping to share helpful information and encourage the other students to communicate. Beyond this, I am still the same supportive person who can give advice on university life, settling in and other stuff around the city. I want to ensure every student feels welcome, well-supported and knows where to turn to when needed.
Benefits of being a Peer Mentor
There are many benefits that come from being a Peer Mentor, one is an improvement in confidence skills. Being in this role and a Peer Mentor in my second year, allowed me to talk to new people on my course, who I didn’t speak to in my first year. This improvement will help me professionally in the future, with interviews and talking to people in the field I am interested in. Another benefit of being a Senior Peer Mentor is that you will meet a wide range of people that may be on your course and/or in the same school. This allows you to build a wider network.
If you are thinking of either becoming a Peer Mentor, do it! It is great for your CV and you gain so many transferable skills that can be used outside of university!