From Uncertainty to Clarity: How Mentoring Helped Yvonne Shape Her Future

 

Finding clarity at a key decision point

When Yvonne Li joined the Warwick Alumni Mentoring Programme, she was at a crossroads familiar to many students. As a second‑year Economics student, she was starting to think seriously about her final year - from choosing modules and managing workload, to preparing for her dissertation and deciding what to do after graduation.

“At the time, module pre‑registration had just opened,” Yvonne explains. “I was considering quite a few finance‑ and maths‑based modules and wanted advice from someone who had studied Economics before me. I wanted to choose modules that would support my dissertation and employability - but also allow for a healthier work‑life balance.”

She was also unsure whether to apply for graduate roles or pursue a Master’s degree, and wanted guidance from people who had already navigated those decisions.

 

Why alumni mentoring?

Yvonne chose alumni mentoring because she wanted real‑world insight, not just academic advice.

“I was looking for honest insight into module choices, applying for a Master’s, and what certain careers are actually like day to day,” she says. “Speaking to alumni felt like the best way to understand how my choices now could shape my future.”

Rather than feeling nervous about reaching out, Yvonne felt motivated. “I realised I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own. This was about helping my future self.”

 

A supportive and flexible experience

Getting started on Warwickgrad was straightforward, and Yvonne was surprised by how quickly mentors responded.

“My mentors replied within three days!”

Using filters such as academic background, graduation year and current role, she connected with alumni whose journeys closely matched her own goals. Once introductions were made, conversations continued flexibly via platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp.

“The alumni were incredibly approachable. They were genuinely happy to talk and share their experiences.”

 

Conversations that built confidence

Yvonne came to her mentoring conversations with clear goals: advice on module choices, guidance on Master’s programmes, and honest insight into career paths.

One mentor had completed a Master’s degree in Singapore at the same university Yvonne was considering. “He walked me through the entire process - from applications to what studying there is really like. That was incredibly reassuring.”

Other mentors shared practical insight into finance‑related Master’s programmes, explaining entry requirements, language tests, interviews and even AI‑based selection processes. “They explained what to expect and how to prepare. That really took the fear out of it.”

 

The impact: clarity, confidence and direction

As a result of mentoring, Yvonne now feels much clearer about her academic and career direction.

“I know which modules to take, how they’ll support my dissertation, and how my interests fit into my longer‑term goals.”

Her mentors also encouraged her to pursue modules she was genuinely interested in — such as data science and behavioural economics - helping her see that aligning interests, values and employability really matters.

Most importantly, mentoring helped her make a decision she had been struggling with. “I realised that applying for a Master’s feels right for me - academically, professionally and personally, as it allows me to be closer to my family.”

 

A lasting source of support

One of Yvonne’s biggest takeaways was how generous her mentors were with their time. “I was surprised by how thoughtful and detailed their advice was. It went far beyond what I expected.”

She already plans to reconnect with her mentors as she prepares her Master’s applications later this year.

 

A message to other students

For students who may feel unsure about reaching out, Yvonne’s advice is simple: “Don’t hold yourself back. The mentors genuinely want to help. They’ve been where you are and they care about supporting students to make the right choices.”

And would she seek out a mentor again? “Absolutely. I already know who I’ll be going back to.”