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What it's all about
When i graduated i entered a mentor/training scheme in the local area for BME Black minority ethnics- (sorry if you do not like the word its just a Politically Correct thing ive learnt working in the public sector.)
However i do not think this was pitched at the right level and i feel that we BME's need more support in this area as skilled people it was more tailored to the unemployed (as most schemes are)
Being a Mentee for me was very useful and i would just like to talior this to our needs it was by luck i was placed with a black manager who really showed me what great things can be achieved , just to let you know i am of working class background so did not have any professional role models to show me what the possibilities are. This was a key factor for me '' As seeing is believing''
I thought this would work for ethnic minorities as there are further barriers faced when graduating, i would like to offer the advice and support to people as i have gained a greater understanding of how our own perception and views influences the types of jobs we enter etc.
Work can often be stressful and knowing where to turn for useful support and advice on the 'softer' aspects of work e.g dealing confidently with issues you disagree or advice on how to source opportunties and gain promotion etc... would be useful.
I am hoping that this will help people to share knowledge at different levels so for example a recent graduate could be matched with someone who has a senior role and has been working for a few years , to help them develop personally, gain support and confidence to achieve great things!
[b]Summary:[/b]
I would like to offer ongoing and regular support for graduates, in order to realise career goals this would involve offering support to graduates as they enter work and in particular managing the 'softer 'aspects of work as i mentioned.
Maybe i could expand this for all gradutes i do not want to be exclusive but this is an area specific to my own experience, if we develop this and get interest then could offer this to all??- suggestions welcome
If you think this is a worthy cause and would like to offer your support please contact me.
Thanks Michele
Comments
As a recent graduate I can definitely see the need for this idea! I'm sure there are thousands of other young people around the country who would benefit from a scheme like this, and it's great that you'd like to use your own experiences in this way.
Here at Junction49 we're here to support you as you develop your idea, and by posting your progress you will also inspire other young people around the country to take action!
Could you let us know which university you went to? Would you like to set up your scheme initially in the same area as you studied? If so then perhaps you could work with your university's careers service or alumni services to develop your project. They may already have a network of previous graduates who have said that they are willing to be contacted about things like this by undergrads or recent grads.
While you are thinking about this it will probably be useful to consider the level of support that you'd like the mentors to offer - the difference between coaching and mentoring might be something to ponder, and I've found some more information about this here.
You should also have a look at this information about the BME Sports Mentoring Project run by Voice East Midlands since it's similar to what you'd like to set up but specialises in sport as opposed to careers development.
In fact, Voice East Midlands would be a good organisation to have a look into generally - they seem to be doing some great work in your area that you'd be interested in!
You might also be interested in Rob's idea on Juntion49, about encouraging more ethnic minorities to apply to university - if you have any thoughts or advice about this I'm sure he'd appreciate your input :)
One last thing - in the news recently there was a story about a scheme in the North West which encourages people from BME backgrounds to climb the housing career ladder, and how successful it's been! Read more about this here: http://society.guardian.co.uk/communities/story/0,,2171749,00.html
I hope this helps, let us know what next steps you take and how it goes! If you have any questions or want any advice just ask... :)
Good luck!!
Zoë
Yes my next step was to approach the university careers centre.
I went to Derby university and i am currently working on the outskirts of Derby where i still live.
Ill keep you posted and contact Rob to join forces on this.
Thanks for your encouragement this site is good!
I am between mentoring and coaching, do you have anything on governement funding for these types of community projects i saw grants for BME community projects £10k a few months ago somewhere but cant remember now!
Michele
If you were a student studying at the University of Derby you could access up to £750 to turn your idea into reality. Is there any way that you could join forces with someone you know who's still a Derby student to develop this further? This is even more relevant because the University has a Junction49 Uni staff member, and they can give you training and support to develop your idea on the ground!
If I were you I'd drop the Derby Uni staff member an email on junction49@udsu.co.uk (he's called Alex Stackhouse, screenname is Stack on Junction49) - if you don't know anyone who's still a student and might be interested then Stack could be able to help
I'll have a look into BME community grants and let you know...
As for funding generally (if you want to go for it without working with the university so closely) have a look at Awards for All - they will fund a wide range of projects and you can apply for anything from £300 to £10,000!
They offer grants of between £6,000 and £12,000 but they "are aimed at locally run and managed voluntary and community organisations with an income of less than £50,000 per year, run by volunteers or with one full time or two part time paid staff" and can't be given out to individuals!
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