The Friends of Pearson College London programme is a mentoring programme which aims to pair Pearson College London students with professionals from within Pearson plc. This is an opportunity for students to be paired with an employee working for a FTSE 100 company (Pearson plc) within the field that the student aspires to work within.

"Meeting with Andrian was amazing, being able to talk to someone who I can relate to was brilliant. Learning his path of success and the advice is has for an aspiring marketer has left me even more motivated. Along with career advice and next steps to take, which is to look for a In-house role or Agency where I can really train my marketing skills and discover which area specifically I would like to be. One big statement I took away is "If Marketing is what you want to do make your CV say that" This is something I never really considered and now I am able to really get my experience, skills and knowledge to stand out." - Joseph Frost, Pearson Business School Student

The role of the mentor is to aid the development of the students professionally through conducting face to face mock interviews and CV speed-dating exercises to enable practice of the recruitment and selection process. There is also the option to offer the students work experience in the professional workplace environment, to bring the classroom engagement and conversations to life.
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The Friends of Pearson College London programme has mutual benefits for the mentees and the mentors. For mentees, some key benefits of business mentoring include:

  • Exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking
  • Advice on developing strengths and overcoming weaknesses
  • Guidance on professional development and advancement
  • Increased visibility and recognition within the company
  • The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge

"I've always dreamt of working for myself and run my own business. I find nothing more exciting than the prospect of growing something from the ground up. However, it remained just a dream until I joined the Friends of Pearson programme. Since meeting my mentors they have helped me structure my goals into SMART objectives, and given me a real direction and focus. Not only have I started taking on freelance marketing projects with their guidance, but they have also helped with refining my CV and LinkedIn profile, staying motivated and even helped me create a business plan! Having a mentor has provided so much direction to my life and since becoming part of this programme, I've told all of my peers to sign up as well. The value of mentorship should not be underplayed." - Anis Johir, Business Management with Marketing student

Mentoring is more than the transfer of advice, knowledge and insights to the mentee. The relationship offers reciprocal benefits for mentors. As well as the personal satisfaction of sharing their skills and experience, being involved in mentoring also provides some tangible benefits that can reward mentors professionally. Some key benefits for mentors include:

  • Recognition as a subject matter expert and leader
  • Exposure to fresh perspectives, ideas and approaches
  • Extension of their professional development record
  • Opportunity to reflect on their own goals and practices
  • Development of their personal leadership and coaching styles
    (Information courtesy of MichaelPage)
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What a great programme! To find out more about Pearson College London and our courses, visit the Pearson College London website.