Mentoring Spotlight: Slavi Kaloferov x Winnie Wong

London College of Communication (LCC) is home to makers, thinkers and innovators. Bringing inspiring ideas and ways of working to a range of diverse industries, we change the world around us and make a positive difference to society.

One of the ways in which we support our students to take the next step in their development is by offering vital support through our Industry Mentoring Programme. This initiative connects current LCC postgraduates and recent alumni to professionals from the creative sectors, all of whom channel profound understanding, experience and insight through opportunities that shape the journeys of those at the beginning of their careers.

Together, mentors and mentees catch up regularly to explore ideas and aspirations that are tailored to specific goals - helping students to feel more confident, informed and engaged in the professional landscape while also enabling mentors to further develop their own skill sets and form new contacts across LCC's vibrant network.

Our Industry Mentoring Programme runs alongside a programme of initiatives designed to empower our College community to achieve their career ambitions while contributing to a more diverse, inclusive and innovative society. Managed by our Graduate Futures team, complementary activities range from rapid review sessions and speed networking to our incubation programme, LCC Accelerate, which supports recent graduates to level-up their business ideas through practical advice and creative inspiration.

Over the past few years, our Industry Mentoring Programme has continued to evolve and grow, fostering long-term relationships with organisations such as publishing houses Whitefox and Penguin Michael Joseph, along with the international design and transformation consultancy, EY Seren.

LCC graduate Winnie Wong participated in the programme during her time as a student at the College. Now Senior Product Design Consultant at EY Seren, she now contributes to it as a mentor, sharing her professional knowledge and experiences with the next generation of emerging creatives.

We caught up Winnie and her mentee, MA User Experience Design student Slavi Kaloferov, to discuss the value of offering guidance and support beyond the workplace environment; the importance of kindness, sharing and respect; and the benefits of mutual upskilling and active industry engagement.

Slavi, why did you decide to take part in the Industry Mentoring Programme?

I wanted to prepare for my post-university career, and to establish lifelong professional connections with like-minded individuals.

Winnie, what drew you towards becoming a mentor?

As a UAL graduate and former international student, mentors were guiding lights in my own journey. Their impact inspired me to give back, recognising the profound influence of mentorship.

My first mentor wasn't just focused on work; she taught me life lessons about kindness, respect and sharing that still resonate with me today. Becoming a mentor became my way of contributing to the development of the next generation of creative minds.

At EY Seren, our mentoring culture emphasises knowledge-sharing and positive societal impact. Witnessing how mentorship transformed my career, I felt compelled to contribute to this supportive culture, especially within the creative domain.

Mentoring, to me, is not just a role; it's a passion. I aim to help others grow, drawing inspiration from the guidance I received myself. The transition from being guided to guiding others excites me—it's not just about careers, but extends to sharing values beyond the workplace.

What did you hope to achieve by taking part in the initiative?

Slavi: I approached mentorship with an open mindset, eager to both learn and contribute to the work of my mentor.

In the early stages of my MA in User Experience Design, I was still exploring how I could integrate both past and current skills to present myself uniquely in the industry. Seeking professional insights, I aimed to work on refining relevant skills, enhancing self-presentation and strategically leveraging my strengths.

Winnie: My goal was simple. I wanted to support my mentee, Slavi, not only in his academic and career journey, but also in his personal growth by boosting his skills and confidence.

Simultaneously, I was eager to learn from him too. He introduced me to cool new technologies and AI-related topics, and our exchanges provided insights from the fresh perspective of the next generation. It's been a 2-way learning street!

Slavi, what were some of the key skills you developed through mentorship that you'll be able to carry through into your career?

Firstly, I was able to cultivate resilience through my interactions with Winnie, who encouraged me to persist in pursuing my passions despite the messy discovery process and temporarily unclear destination.

Secondly, I learned the invaluable skill of presenting myself concisely to specific audiences, especially when engaging with industry professionals. I realised that it’s as equally important as the skills and expertise you offer.

Initially, I faced challenges with crafting my portfolio pieces—often creating lengthy and unclear content. Thanks to Winnie, I now have a blueprint for approaching what is sometimes a really daunting task.

Winnie's example inspired me to develop mentorship skills, so I became a peer mentor for first-year postgraduate students at LCC. I’m applying her great attitude and warm approach to guiding my mentees and seeking further opportunities to share what I learned with others.

Winnie, how has taking part in the Industry Mentoring Programme helped you to grow as a practitioner?

Slavi's enthusiasm and fresh ideas have rekindled my own passion for creativity. His questions have challenged me to revisit the basics, creating a constant loop of self-improvement.

This experience has not only reinforced my commitment to mentoring, but has also widened my professional perspectives - keeping me in tune with new trends and diverse industry views.

Overall, taking part in the mentorship initiative has been a journey of shared growth, enriching both mentor and mentee alike.