What is one-to-one mentoring?

One-to-one mentors offer their support, knowledge and experience within a particular area to a mentee, usually over a set period of time. They can support you to identify your professional goals and give you feedback on your journey

UAL's professional mentoring programme

We match you with a mentor working in the creative industry. Your mentor will support you to think about your creative career and the steps you need to take to get there. They will offer:

• one-to-one support and guidance for 6 months
• encouragement and support to form your aspirations
• shared industry knowledge and skills.

In your mentoring meetings, you can learn how set and work to your own goals, such as:

• set goals and create action plans
• identify career opportunities
• design your CV and portfolio for industry eyes
• make job applications and develop your interview skills
• showcase your work
• enhance your professional and interpersonal presentation
• create professional networks and relationships
• build confidence and develop your employability.

This could help you find work, set up a business, build networks and audiences, freelance, and sell your art or service. By the end of the programme, you will be clearer about your next steps, and have better awareness of opportunities.

Careers and Employability acknowledges the barriers that exist for people of colour in the creative industries. UAL's Professional Mentoring programme is committed to actively recruiting mentors of colour, to support our students and create a more diverse cultural sector.

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Apply for a mentor

There are 2 routes into professional mentoring through Careers and Employability. For either route you must be on a BA / BSc course at UAL, or have recently graduated from one (and not be taking, or be enrolled for, a postgraduate course).

Route 1:  for underrepresented students

You must be:

• a second or third year studying on a BA / BSc course at UAL, or completed a BA / BSc in the last two years
• not be taking, or be enrolled for, a postgraduate course
• and paying / paid fees as a Home (UK) student.

In addition, at least ONE of these statements must also apply:

• My parent(s) or guardian(s) have not completed a university degree
• I am from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
• I receive the UAL Bursary
• I am a Care leaver or Care giver
• I took part in UAL's Insights programme
• I have a disability

Apply for Route 1: for underrepresented students

Route 2:  for other students on a BA / BSc course at UAL 

You must be:

• a second or third year student studying on a BA / BSc course at UAL
• paying fees as a Home (UK) student, an EU student, or an International student
• and not be taking, or be enrolled for, a postgraduate course.

Apply for Route 2 : other students on a BA/BSc course

If I register, will I definitely get a mentor?

We want to match you with the right mentor for you, however this relies on the right mentor applying to the scheme. There are no guarantees that we can match everyone. But we have a growing pool of mentors, and we will do our best to find you a match before you graduate.

You only have to sign up for the scheme once. Once registered, you stay on our list for as long as you are eligible for a mentor.

Contact us:

• Email professionalmentoring@arts.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7378

Raise a concern

Careers and Employability encourages diversity within the creative industries.

The University does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or violence. Any reports made about a mentor or mentee will be treated seriously and with sensitivity. This includes any public statements or appearances, and social media.

To raise a concern, please contact the Mentoring Coordinator in the first instance at professionalmentoring@arts.ac.uk. UAL students can also access confidential advice through the University’s Tell Someone service. You may also wish to read the Professional Mentoring programme's Privacy Statement