Giving back, moving forward: How Mentoring Pathways strengthens the Birkbeck community

Every year, Birkbeck's Mentoring Pathways programme brings together final-year students and alumni to build meaningful relationships that inspire confidence, unlock opportunities and strengthen the university's community. Through regular conversations over several months, mentors share their experience, offer encouragement and help mentees navigate the next stage of their academic and professional journey.

As Mentoring Pathways returns this month, participants past and present reflect on the connections that have shaped them.

Confidence to take the next step

For Folashade Oginni, who is studying MSc Human Resource Management (Development and Consultancy), mentoring came at a pivotal moment as she prepared to change careers into HR consultancy. "I wanted someone that I could brainstorm with," she said. "I needed fresh eyes to strengthen my thoughts and someone to help me see things through a different lens."

She was matched with Francesca Webster, talent management partner at Aldermore Bank, whose guidance proved invaluable. Folashade said: "She checked my CV, introduced me to people and there was nothing she wouldn't do to help. I really can't emphasise how valuable the relationship has been."

For Liubov Zozulia, who studied MSc Banking and Finance, the programme became an opportunity to challenge herself in ways she hadn't expected. Matched with corporate volunteer Lio Lopez-Welsch, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Unum UK, Liubov found a mentor who encouraged her to recognise her own potential. She said: “Every meeting with my mentor felt like a breakthrough. From the very first call, I felt supported and understood. With Lio’s support, I pushed myself to do things I never thought I could - like joining a public speaking club, which was a huge step outside my comfort zone.”

For many mentees, having someone who understands their goals and the challenges they face provides reassurance that they're not navigating their journey alone. For Chevening scholar Sekulu Nyekha, who is studying MSc Social Research, having first-hand encouragement was important when she first arrived in the UK. She said: “For me, it was about wanting someone who would help me with settling in and act as a support system.” She was paired with Amrita Hurley, who studied MA Medicine, Science and Society at Birkbeck in 2003 and provided that support system for Sekulu.

Sharing experience, creating opportunity

For mentors, the programme offers an opportunity to invest in someone else's future. As the programme is designed as a partnership, mentors and mentees can learn from one another through honest conversations and shared experiences.

Alumnus Joe Irvin OBE (MSc Politics and Government, 2003) says mentoring has also helped him develop personally. He said: "I've sharpened my own listening and coaching skills through mentoring. Above all, it is hugely satisfying to help a younger person flourish in the next stage of their life – to think with a clear head about what they want, improve their chances of achieving their ambitions and have their talents recognised."

Joe's experience is echoed by Amrita, who mentored Sekulu and who finds the experience as a mentor equally rewarding. She said: “I feel energised. There’s a sense of purpose and identity.”

Paying it forward

One of the greatest measures of Mentoring Pathways' success is when a mentee later returns to become a mentor themselves.

That was the case for Amir Khan (MSc Management, 2024), pictured. Inspired by the support he received from mentor Phill Collins, Amir knew he wanted to give back. He said: “Birkbeck gave me so many opportunities and I learnt so much while navigating life as an international student. Once I graduated, I thought it was time to give back to Birkbeck students - especially other international students who might just need a listening ear or someone to validate them.”

Birkbeck alumnus Phill (MSc Organisational Behaviour, 2011), is passionate about encouraging more people to step forward and support the next generation. He said: “I suspect a lot of people are put off mentoring because they think they don’t have enough experience or the right gravitas or they aren’t old enough. But it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being an impartial third party for students to talk to and just listening.”

A community that lasts

The relationships formed through Mentoring Pathways often extend well beyond the formal programme. Professional connections become lasting friendships and participants remain connected long after the mentoring has officially ended. The programme is a reminder that being part of the Birkbeck community continues after graduation through the people who choose to support one another, helping every new generation move forward with confidence.