Professional mentors for Derby business management students

From September 2015, all first year BA (Hons) Business Management students at the University of Derby will be guaranteed a mentor from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

CMI’s ‘Achieve’ mentoring programme has been running for over 18 months but the University of Derby will be the first university in the UK to offer this scheme to business management students.

The University’s business management degree is already dual-accredited by CMI and this marks a new step in the partnership. All mentors offering support will be of Member or Fellow status and working in industry.

Students will benefit from the mentor’s knowledge, such as learning how business theories taught in the classroom operationalise in the real world and seeking advice on their personal career progression.

Keith Richardson, Partnership Manager at CMI, said: “We have formed a strategic partnership with the University of Derby and the mentoring scheme is our latest development.

“The aim of the scheme is to help students connect with the business world, providing those not only with an insight into management, but also some practical support that will help them contextualise their learning. We also wish to support the students employability prospects on leaving university.”

Christine Harrop-Griffiths, Programme Leader for Business Management, added: “We’re excited to enhance our partnership with CMI’s mentoring programme. The mentors are CMI Members with business experience and students will be matched with those who best suit their individual needs. The students will benefit from having an external mentor that brings a different perspective.

“The scheme will enable students to explore career opportunities, develop their professional business behaviour, develop wider networks and see the broader business perspective.”