A pioneering career mentoring programme aimed at connecting recent university graduates employed within Atom Bank and EY with first-year students, has concluded its latest cycle with remarkable success, strengthening early-career support and professional development across disciplines.
Launched in January 2025, the programme pairs industry professionals who graduated within the past five years, with students just beginning their academic journey. Its goal: to provide real-world insight, foster confidence, and equip undergraduates with the tools to navigate university life and the future world of work.
Thirty undergraduate students participated in this year’s pilot cohort, engaging in one-on-one mentoring sessions, skill-building workshops, and networking events. The programme created a dynamic community where questions about career paths, work-life balance, internships, and industry expectations could be discussed openly and honestly.
Feedback from both mentors and mentees highlights the programme’s impact. 100% of mentees reported their employability skills are stronger following the mentoring programme, while 93% of mentors found the experience valuable in enhancing their own leadership and management skills.
With such a strong response, plans are already in motion to expand the programme next year. Organisers aim to widen participation across additional year groups and introduce new themed events focused on diversity in the workplace and entrepreneurial thinking.
Andrea Hillery, Work-Based Learning Manager at Durham University said:“We’re incredibly proud of what this initiative has achieved. The transition from university to the workplace can be daunting. By connecting students with mentors who were in their shoes just a few years ago, we’ve created a bridge of shared experience, empathy, and practical advice.”
Students who have been mentored by an employees at EY, described the experience as “Empowering, helping to build confidence in the workplace and their desired careers. Student work work mentors progressing towards goals through a series of workshops and meetings.
For mentors, the programme offers a chance to give back, while continuing to grow professionally. An Audit Associate at EY was excited about the potential to make a positive impact and foster growth within the community. The involvement of mentors not only allowed them to share their own knowledge and experiences but also help guide others at the start of a career.
Mentoring builds a bridge between aspiration and experience. By connecting students with early career professionals, it empowers personal growth, nurtures confidence, and offers invaluable insight into the world of work. At Durham we are sincerely grateful to our employer partners for their time, generosity, and commitment to supporting the next generation of talent through this programme.
As the next wave of students prepares to join the university, they can do so knowing they have access to a vibrant network of recent graduates ready to support and inspire them. This mentorship initiative has not only prepared students for the world of work—it has created a lasting culture of connection, collaboration, and shared success.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/central-news-and-events-images/83431-1920X290.jpg)