Alumni Mentorship Programme

• Alumni and students register for the programme in the Autumn Term: after which point we pair mentors and mentees based on experience, shared interests, and goals. We then ask that our alumni commit to meeting the students at least three times over the course of the academic year, either in person or online.
• During these meetings, students are encouraged to ask the alumni questions about their career and professional insights. We ask that alumni answer questions to the best of their ability, provide feedback and encouragement, and provide relevant advice and insights based on their own knowledge.

• The mentoring programme is set up to support EI students: to enable them to access in-depth personal experience into the workplace that they might not always be able to obtain. Many of our students are already looking towards next professional steps after graduation, and the support of our alumni not only encourages them in these next steps but also helps them work out career goals and gives practical insight into applications and development.
  Although primarily set up for students, our alumni mentors have found that the programme is beneficial for them as well: not only as a CV-boosting exercise, but as a way of connecting with the next generation of professionals and analysing their own career aspirations.

Step One- Applications and joining the programme

In November participants apply to the programme and are matched according to shared interests and needs.

Step Two- Introductions

In December, mentors and mentees are introduced to each other via email. Students then contact alumni via email to introduce themselves and arrange the first meeting.

Step Three- Begin Mentoring

Meetings normally take place between January-April. During the first meeting students and alumni establish the contact moving forward, as well as expectations from both alumni and student. This is followed by another 2-3 meetings

Step Four- Feedback

At the end of the programme, alumni and students will be contacted by the EI alumni team and invited to give feedback to support the scheme’s development.

As an EI alum, you’re uniquely placed to offer students:

• Insights professional life, particular sectors/industries and career paths
• Support and advice that builds confidence and personal growth
• Practical insights that make the graduate job market less daunting

• A chance to reflect on own achievements and career development.
• An opportunity to develop interpersonal skills in supporting students.
• Satisfaction from helping students increase their confidence and progress with their career goals.
• A chance to build strong links with future policy professionals, as well as with the EI itself.
• Develop your own coaching skills.

Registrations for the 2025/26 Alumni Mentorship Programme have now closed. We thank you for your interest and hope you will be able to join us for the 2026/27 programme.

Alumni who sign up to this scheme agree to abide by the EI Alumni Mentorship Policy. If you have any questions, please contact ei.alumni@lse.ac.uk

The programme is for EI students who:

• Want to build a sustained mentorship relationship
• Would like to gain insights into particular sectors, professional life, and / or further study
• Are willing to be proactive and lead discussions with their mentor

• Support and advice on developing employability skills (e.g. interview and networking skills)
• Personal growth, development, and increased confidence
• A chance to build strong links with the European Institute community

Registrations for the 2025/26 Alumni Mentorship Programme have now closed.

Students who apply to take part in this scheme agree to abide by the EI Alumni Mentorship Policy.

If you have any questions, please contact ei.alumni@lse.ac.uk.