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The Big Deal Mentors

Interested in becoming a mentor?

We are looking for a number of professionals to volunteer one or two hours a week for around three months to e-mentor a team of 3 or 4 students aged 14-15 who are taking part in the University of Warwick's Big Deal competition. It is being run by the UniTracks Programme, one of the University of Warwick's outreach programmes that offers opportunities to young people aged 14-18 who are academically able but are from backgrounds which mean they are less likely to enter competitive higher education institutions without support. The UniTracks Programme aims to increase motivation, self-confidence, awareness, and achievement.

What is the Big Deal?

The Big Deal is a business enterprise challenge for UniTracks members in school year 10 (aged 14-15). The competition starts early in the year and teams then have 10 weeks to come up with a business idea, produce a business plan which they then pitch to a panel of judges at the final event in April. The winning team will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience -- a VIP business trip to a major European city!

Teams are supported via e-mentoring using The Big Deal Blogs, a specially designed and moderated website. The students value the support of their mentor and really benefit from the interaction, both with the weekly tasks and also learning about university, careers, and real world business. In addition to the three months of the project, mentors will be expected to attend the launch and final days, where they will have the opportunity to meet their mentees face to face. For further information please read the Information for Mentors.

We are looking for mentors who:

  • can commit to attending the Launch and Final events
  • are able to spare an hour or two a week, for three months, to e-mentor their team
  • have enough work experience to be able to talk about business in the real world an guide the team through their weekly business tasks
  • preferably have university experience or knowledge
  • are enthusiastic and willing to motivate, encourage, and guide their team (rather than doing their work for them!)

How to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity please email unitracks@warwick.ac.uk putting 'Big Deal Mentoring' in the subject.

E-mentors and teams are matched according to the information provided - please be aware that not all mentor applications are successful but in this case we would try to inform you about other opportunities. Please note that all selected mentors will need to undergo a DBS check as a requirement for working with children.

Mentor resources

Mentors receive a Guide and training on how to use The Big Deal Blogs e-mentoring system is available if required. Mentors will also get to meet their team, plan a schedule to work to, and help the team begin the process of generating ideas.

There is a range of additional support available, both through The Big Deal Blogs and the UniTracks Office.