Ozair Hudli - mentor

MSc Engineering Business Management, 2023

What does giving back to Warwick mean to you?

Giving back to Warwick is both a privilege and a responsibility. As a mentor, I have the chance to share my experiences and insights to help current students navigate their own paths. It's particularly important to me to support international students who might face unique challenges. By giving back, I hope to make their journey a bit easier and contribute to their success.

What are your goals through mentoring?

Through mentoring, I aim to share thoughts, offer sector insights, professional journey experience and professional development support. Having been on both sides as a mentor and a mentee, I understand the value that this relationship provides to everyone involved. Sharing my knowledge at this stage in my career feels like the right thing to do, especially with the students at the University of Warwick.

What is essential for a successful mentoring relationship?

For a mentoring relationship to be successful, it’s important to embrace different perspectives, explore new avenues, and build trust and transparency. Mentorship opens up a channel for both the mentor and mentee to bounce ideas off someone who might approach a problem in a completely different way. This means you not only get an honest opinion but might also discover a whole new direction for solving it.

How does the mentor-mentee dynamic work?

While a mentor brings specialist experience, a mentee’s broader outlook can introduce fresh ideas, creating opportunities for learning on both sides. With relevant industry experience, a mentor can guide the mentee effectively, aligning advice with real-world situations.

Mahesh Ram Krishna Raj - mentee

MSc Engineering Business Management

WMG student Mahesh Ram Krishna Raj reached out to several Warwick alumni on social media but found that those conversations didn’t evolve into the mentorship that he was looking for. He then came across the Warwickgrad Mentoring Programme. Mahesh is now in three active mentorships.

Why did you choose Warwick Alumni Mentoring Programme?

I was aware that I was at a stage in my life, personally and professionally, of real growth. I wanted to expand my network and learn from the experiences of others who had walked in my shoes, Warwick alumni who had studied at WMG, and had gone on to be successful in their careers and professional lives. What I found on Warwickgrad was a warm welcome and a willingness from alumni to network, share their experiences with me and help me to reach my goals.

I specifically wanted to connect with Warwick alumni who were from the same region as me, so I was able to use people’s profiles and filters to achieve this. I also wanted to connect with mentors who were project managers, which I was also able to search for and see via the mentor’s profile.

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to get out of the mentorship before you started?

I was open to receiving any advice or insights from those more experienced than myself. I was aware that I was about to embark on a new professional chapter, so I was eager to learn from others.

What was the best piece of advice you received?

Focus on your strengths and highlight those in your CV. Networking with my mentors made me realise how important it is to understand what is happening in my chosen UK industry. Try out new segments, and be open-minded in the areas you apply for, as it may lead you to where you eventually want to be. Adaptability is key. Don't be afraid to fail, it will likely be your biggest learning. It boosted my confidence to apply for more roles.

What would you say the successes were?

Speaking with three alumni from different industries gave me insights, and confidence to broaden my horizons and apply for a greater variety of jobs. I connected with mentors over phone calls and messages via Warwickgrad. We also continued those conversations over LinkedIn.

Did you encounter any challenges?

Not all interactions with mentors pan out into enriching conversations, so choose your mentors carefully. Choose those who have experience in the areas you would like to go into. I believe the long-term impact of my mentoring will continue thanks to the networks and contacts I have made via the Warwick Alumni Mentoring Programme.

How long did your mentorships last?

My mentorships are still ongoing, after the initial outreach, we spent three weeks getting to know each other and the mentorship continued from there. My mentors have made it clear that their door is always open, and I can seek advice and mentorship from them at any time. This kind of connection is a huge benefit, which I don’t think I would have achieved without the Warwick Alumni Mentoring Programme on Warwickgrad.

Did you achieve your goals?

I have grown my network, made long-term connections and benefitted from different insights that have given me the confidence to apply for a broader range of positions.