The UAB launches a new edition of its Mentoring Programme

Rector Lafuente expressed his wish that “every UAB student has access to someone with experience” and invited participants to take advantage of this opportunity. He thanked “enormously the generosity” of the mentors, underlining the relevance of their participation in the programme because “it is important to give back to society part of what it has given you”, in reference to the fact that the mentors are successful professionals who graduated from the UAB.

The rector also highlighted the impetus given to this initiative by the Vice Rectorate for Students and Employability and the UAB Social Council. Vice-Rector Anabel Galán also expressed her appreciation, highlighting the “tireless work” done by the team of the Alumni UAB network. Vice-President of the Social Council Alícia Bosch talked about her wish that current students receiving support in this edition return in the future as mentors.

This first meeting continued with a session entitled “Professional Self-Knowledge: Do I know what my relationship and communication style is like?”, led by trainer Lluís Bernabé and in which participants analysed their communication and relationship styles.

Periodic meetings

A significant part of UAB students face the final part of their studies with great uncertainty about their future options. They wonder how to complete their training or how to boost their incipient professional career in a context marked by significant challenges such as the environmental crisis or the technological revolution brought about by the development of artificial intelligence or big data, among other aspects.

Through the UAB Mentoring programme, UAB graduates who have accumulated outstanding professional experience and who have led teams or projects will accompany students in their final year and in their first years as graduates to support their personal development and boost their professional career. The aim is for participants to improve their skills, broaden their professional perspectives and learn about the reality of different sectors thanks to the support of mentors.

The meetings between mentors and mentees will be agreed upon by both parties. In order to successfully complete the programme, a minimum of six meetings will be required, of which at least two must be face-to-face. There will also be visits to the company or institution where the mentor carries out his/her professional tasks. The programme also includes group sessions for both students and mentors on the practice and objectives of mentoring, group training sessions on skills such as negotiation and assertive communication, and a self-knowledge test.

The programme will end with the presentation of the action plans developed by the students in a closing ceremony where all those who have participated in the programme will meet. Participating students may receive three ECTS credits. Mentors will be integrated into a network where they will be able to share experiences and knowledge.