Many students enter the job market with strong academic credentials but little experience of how to position themselves effectively with employers. Competition for internships and placements can be intense, and repeated rejections can quickly undermine confidence.
When Dezel started working with Di, he was actively applying for placement opportunities but struggling to gain traction. Despite clear capability and determination, applications were producing little success and the process was becoming increasingly frustrating.
Challenge
The challenge was not a lack of ambition or effort; the approach was too broad making it difficult to present a compelling and consistent story to employers. At the same time, repeated unsuccessful applications were beginning to affect his confidence.
The objective was to help him identify a clearer direction, strengthen his personal positioning and approach recruitment processes with greater confidence and preparation.
Approach
Together, they reviewed his CV, personal statement and project experience, identifying opportunities to better communicate strengths and achievements. Rather than continuing to pursue a broad range of roles, the focus shifted towards a specific area of interest, allowing applications to be tailored more effectively.
Alongside practical support with applications, Di provided interview coaching and preparation, helping anticipate likely questions, develop stronger responses and build confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout the process, the mentoring extended beyond careers advice. Di knows that resilience and confidence are just as important as technical preparation and made a conscious effort to support Dez behind the application process, particularly during periods of disappointment and uncertainty.
Where appropriate, she also leveraged her professional network to identify potential opportunities and provide additional visibility into the market.
Outcome
The impact of a more focused and strategic approach was almost immediate.
Within two weeks of refining the target market and tailoring applications accordingly, he had two successful applications after previously experiencing little progress. He also advanced through a competitive interview process using techniques and preparation developed during the mentoring relationship.
More importantly, Dez developed greater confidence in her abilities, a clearer understanding of how to position himself professionally and a stronger foundation for future career decisions.
The experience reinforced that successful mentoring is often about more than career advice alone. It is about helping people recognise their strengths, navigate setbacks and maintain momentum when opportunities feel out of reach.
Testimonial
“Di far exceeded my expectations of a professional mentor. From the first session, she created an environment where I could ask anything and collaborate freely.
Together, we worked through my CV, personal statement and project experience, helping me present myself far more effectively. She encouraged me to move away from applying for a broad range of placements and instead focus on a specific field, tailoring my applications accordingly. The result was that I went from no successful applications to two successful outcomes within two weeks.
Before my first interview, Di offered to run a preparation session where we practiced answering likely questions and staying composed under pressure. During the interview, three of the five questions asked were ones she had predicted and prepared me for, helping me progress to the next stage.
What made the biggest difference, however, was Di herself. She was supportive, reassuring and genuinely invested in my success. Her first concern was always how I was doing personally, not just professionally. When opportunities were limited, she even reached out to her own network to explore potential placement vacancies on my behalf.
Di did everything a great mentor should do, and more.”