Will and Charlotte - SPP Alumni Mentorship Programme
Will Reynolds (EMPP, 2017) & Charlotte Yung (LSE/Sciences Po MPA Double Degree, 2025)
Reconnecting with SPP alumni mentor Will and his mentee Charlotte to discuss their experience of the SPP Alumni Mentorship Programme in 2024-25!
Can you tell us in a few short sentences about your career journey and studies at SPP?
Charlotte: After completing a Bachelor’s degree in International Social and Political Studies at UCL, where I specialised in international relations and politics, I joined the Sciences Po-LSE double degree in Public Policy and Public Administration. The programme gave me a deeper understanding of contemporary policy challenges and how public policies can help address societal inequalities. Following several internships in the cultural public sector during my studies, I joined Acted’s headquarters as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer, where I contribute to ensuring our programmes are tailored to affected populations’ needs and have a meaningful impact.
Will: I began my career as a marine biologist before moving into government science, policy and regulation. Over the past two decades I have worked across scientific advice, emergency response, regulatory delivery and public policy, including senior roles in Defra and the Home Office. I studied on the Executive Master's programme at the LSE School of Public Policy, which broadened my understanding of public policy and strengthened my ability to work across complex, multidisciplinary challenges. Today I lead work on animals in science regulation and wider science policy issues in government.
Why did you apply to be a SPP alumni mentor?
W: I benefited enormously from people who invested time in me throughout my own career, so I know the value mentoring brings. I was particularly attracted to the SPP scheme because it creates opportunities for students and alumni to have honest conversations about careers, leadership, public service and professional development. I also enjoy learning from students; mentoring is rarely, if ever, a one-way process.
Why did you apply for the scheme?
C: As I approached the end of my studies, I found it particularly challenging to figure out my next steps and the career path I wanted to pursue. While my master’s degree gave me a solid academic understanding of public policy, I wanted to better understand what working in this field looks like in practice and the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of different roles.
What does being a mentor involve?
Mentoring is about helping someone think through opportunities, challenges and career decisions. It’s certainly never telling them what to do! It involves listening carefully, sharing experiences honestly, asking questions, opening doors to networks where appropriate, and helping build confidence. In practice that can range from discussing career choices and applications through to introducing people to contacts who can provide different perspectives.
What would you say are the main benefits of the scheme (for you as a mentor as well as for mentees)?
W: For mentees, the biggest benefit is access to practical insight from someone who has navigated the challenges they may be facing. It can demystify sectors, organisations and career pathways. It is also a sounding board and for someone to show confidence in you. For mentors, the scheme provides an opportunity to reflect on our own careers, develop coaching and leadership skills, and gain fresh perspectives from the next generation of policy professionals. Every mentoring conversation teaches me something new.
C: As a mentee, the scheme gave me a space to discuss challenges I faced during my final year at LSE, as a recent graduate, and in my new position, and my mentor’s guidance helped me navigate these different stages more confidently. It also provided me with opportunities to connect with different professionals, exposing me to a variety of career paths and roles and helping me refine my professional goals. As a post-graduate, it enables me to continue reflecting on my career aspirations. As I’m entering this new chapter of my professional life, this experience encouraged me to become a mentor in the future and support the next generation of students and graduates. I see it as a rewarding way to give back to the LSE community, share experiences and learn from the diverse paths and perspectives of current students.
What were the highlights from your experience?
The highlights of my experience were building a relationship with my mentor and connecting with other professionals in the sector. Our conversations were a wonderful opportunity to learn from their career journeys and experiences and gain a clearer picture of the opportunities available in the policy field. These talks helped me define what roles and areas are most aligned with my interests and background.
W: The highlight has been seeing confidence grow over time. It has been rewarding to move from introductory conversations about interests and aspirations to more detailed discussions about career options and professional development. I have particularly enjoyed supporting the building of networks and making connections with people who can share specialist perspectives or experiences that I cannot provide myself.
What do you think makes a good mentor?
W: A good mentor listens and hears. They are approachable, curious and genuinely interested in another person's development. They share their experiences honestly, including mistakes and setbacks, whilst recognising that every career journey is different. Most importantly, they create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and exploring ideas.
As a recent alum, what advice would you give to students and alumni to make the most of being a part of the LSE alumni community?
C: Take every opportunity you have to connect with fellow LSE students and alumni. Wherever you find yourself after graduation, get involved in your local LSE alumni network: it’s a great way to build connections in a new city!
What is the best piece of advice or guidance you have received in your career?
C: Meeting professionals with non-linear career paths helped me realise that it’s okay not to have everything mapped out and taught me the importance of staying open to new and unexpected opportunities when they come along.
W: Focus on your values rather than your job title. Roles, organisations and career paths will change over time, but if you understand what motivates you and the impact you want to have, it becomes much easier to make good decisions and build a fulfilling career. It is not coincidental that this is a conversation I often have with mentees.