ourcambridge Speed Mentoring event

New

Have you ever wished you could get 10 minutes with a senior colleague to ask their advice on how they would handle something? Have you ever wondered how others approach challenging problems? This is your opportunity to ask. We are bringing together a panel of senior managers and leaders from across the University for a special speed mentoring session so that they can offer you their support and advice.

Speed mentoring offers you the opportunity for a series of short, focused conversations about a specific question or issue you are struggling with. You will rotate around four different mentors, spending around 10 minutes with each, to gain different perspectives on an issue you are seeking to resolve or a project you are trying to progress.

"I liked that there were a diverse background of university staff involved in the session, and all of the mentors were really engaged and enthusiastic. I felt that I could be honest about some of my experiences in the University, good and bad. All the mentors I spoke to acted as a good sound board for the issues that I wanted to discuss and they have given me some excellent advice and ideas."

"The fact that we saw 4 different mentees was brilliant - we gained different perspectives, saw different mentoring types and were also introduced to people and roles we may not have known about."

Mentors:

• Dr Shafiq Ahmed - Coordinator of Energy at Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative, Department of Chemistry
• Jenny Blakesley - Director of Careers Service
• Susie Chan - Assistant Head of Operations, Postdoc Academy
• Lara Gisborne - Department Administrator, Sociology
• Natalie Robson - Portfolio Manager, ourcambridge
• Rachel Coleman - Head of Enterprise Database Application Management, UIS

Open to all University employees (but please note that all mentors will be Professional Services staff).

Please do the following in advance of the session:

• Think about a problem/issue/challenge you would like to address during the session.
• Try to identify any options you may be considering and think about the advantages and disadvantages of these.
• Note down a two minute description of yourself and your role that provides context.

During each speed mentoring session, you will be asked to start with the description of yourself and then move on to the description of your problem/issue/challenge.

Please join the session on time to ensure a smooth running and prompt start.

Number of sessions: 1

You will have the opportunity to:

• Get help with addressing a particular challenge.
• Consider new approaches in a space away from your normal working environment.
• Discuss and receive encouragement to develop your skills and knowledge.
• Increase your confidence.
• Build a support network outside your own team or work area to draw on in the future.
• Understand and gain an insight into other parts of the University.

Microsoft Teams. You will be emailed invitations to your different mentor slots in advance of the event.

1 hr 15min