Here in Trinity College Dublin, the GradLink Mentoring Programme aims to develop current students’ knowledge of the labour market and career paths, through nurturing career learning relationships with alumni mentors working in a range of career areas. The School of Law is participating in this year’s programme, connecting third year (Junior Sophister) students with graduates of the School who have kindly agreed to act as mentors, to pass on pass on knowledge and experience, and offer advice, guidance and information to our students on issues relating to their career and professional development. There are guidelines for mentors and students here (pdf). One past student said:

I very much enjoyed the GradLink Mentoring Programme as it gave me the chance to get advice from someone with experience in the field I wish to work in. It was invaluable to be able to take the time once a month to remove myself from thinking purely about college to think about my future and where I want to go. The wide range of advice my mentor gave me will definitely be helpful when I am looking for employment and the experience gave me confidence that people can find work in my area of qualification.

The School is privileged to have an excellent group of mentors who have carved out successful careers both in the legal profession (barristers, solicitors, in-house lawyers, government lawyers) and beyond (in business, media, government and so on). One past mentor said:

I really enjoyed participating in the GradLink programme. I was assigned three students, who were all fantastic and very engaged. It was great to be involved in this way with Trinity and nice to feel like I am giving back in some ways.

For this year’s students, there will be a launch event on Wednesday of next week, 12 October 2016, at 6:30pm in the Trinity Long Room Hub.. At the event, students will have the opportunity to meet mentors, who will briefly introduce themselves and their sector of employment, job role, or specialism. The deadline for interested students to register for a place is Monday of next week, 10 October 2016.