Platinum Brand Communications has supported the Munster Technological University (MTU) Joint Mentorship Programme for several years.  This initiative provides a great opportunity for businesses to engage with MTU students in order to exchange business experience, knowledge and career advice, and to support engagement between the University and the alumni community.

Estefani Hanley, 2nd year Business Studies student, was paired with our colleague Laura Curtin for the past seven months.  We recently caught up with Estefani to learn more about her involvement with the mentoring programme.

Why did you participate in the Munster Technological University Joint Mentorship Programme?

Initially, my main reason for participating in the programme was because I wanted to speak to a professional who had a career in marketing and communications. I wanted to ask for advice on what I thought was typical of the programme such as developing a great C.V, interview preparation and an insight into their career and how they got to where they are today. However, I got so much more out of the programme than I ever expected to!

My initial impressions of the programme and my mentor Laura Curtin.

I knew the Joint Mentorship Programme was going to be a different experience this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  All engagements with my mentor were going to be virtual. I was unsure of how this would impact my experience, but I do not think it made a difference. I knew straight away that Laura and I would get on well. She seemed excited about the programme which in turn made me even more excited and boosted my motivation to ensure I took advantage of what was going to be a wonderful opportunity.

Laura suggested we meet every second week which was amazing, as I was not expecting my mentor to dedicate so much time to me and the programme. I was so grateful that we were going to be meeting on Zoom more than once a month, so I made sure that every week I had a list of questions prepared for Laura.

What impact has the mentoring programme had on you?

At the beginning of the programme  I had a list of topics I wanted to ask Laura for advice on.  As the weeks went on, and the more that we spoke to each other, the more questions I had. Laura was so helpful with everything. I had a lot of questions around career development and how I could utilise the next couple of years in college preparing to be an excellent candidate for any role when I graduate.

Over the past six months I have curated a C.V I am proud of.  I have developed new skills and identified the areas I need to develop or build on. Laura also put me in contact with a colleague who advised me on certain topics such as building my confidence when it comes to public speaking.  I now have a clearer vision of what I want to accomplish.

What were the highlights of the mentoring programme?

Laura emphasised the importance of wellbeing both mentally and physically throughout the duration of the programme.  This was an area which I had pushed aside as I was so engrossed in getting work experience and building my CV.  I am now more focused on putting my wellbeing first and taking time out from the stresses of life.

Furthermore, I got the opportunity to work for Laura as part of the Platinum Brand Communications team.  It has been an amazing opportunity so far.  I have learned new skills and obtained the experience of working for a business remotely.  I am incredibly lucky that I got on so well with my mentor Laura because with her help I have accomplished so much!

Would you recommend the programme to other students?

I cannot recommend the Mentorship Programme enough! It has been a great experience getting to know my mentor, Laura Curtin. My confidence in certain areas has sky-rocketed since beginning the programme and I am more aware of my skills and capabilities. No matter what mentor you get, you need to make sure you prepare for every meeting and take advantage of the great opportunity that is before you.

For more information on the mentoring programmes we provide, click here.