Buddy Scheme Program-pilot

Buddy Scheme Mentoring Program 2009 Plan A pilot program by Women of Warwick October 2009

What is the Buddy Scheme Program (BSP) The Buddy Scheme is a networking and mentoring scheme that pairs female WBS (Warwick Business School) MBA student with a WoW MBA student who is further through the program (or a recent MBA alumna). Run by WoW MBA alumnae, the program aims to assist students to develop their skills and balance their work, studying and life priorities by offering informal and friendly advice. Students embarking on a new career, moving to a new country, starting a family, or in need of advice about the study programs, electives and accommodation on campus can typically benefit from such a relationship.

Core message (Mission statement) To guide and support WBS MBA students by delivering knowledge expertise about the WBS MBA. To build empowering and lasting relationships – not contacts.

Target Audience Protégées: Female WBS MBA students Mentors: Female WoW MBA students or alumnae NB: We will try to accommodate student requests from other Warwick post-graduates programs on a case-by-case basis.

Matching The goal of the program is to match protégées with mentors on the basis of: -

Study mode (DL, FT, Exec) Protégée’s career interest and mentor’s profession/industry

The program coordinator acts as a facilitator for this matching, based on your profile and goals and eventually suggests a match. Both the protégée and the mentor need to agree on the match for the mentoring agreement to be sealed. Feedback It is recommended that you discuss your progress and learning throughout the duration of the program with your mentor. You will also be solicited at the end of the program to provide an overall evaluation. This information will be used to improve the program and your feedback will remain anonymous if you wish so.

Benefits The BSP is not a one-way relationship; it is a mutually beneficial agreement between a protégée and her mentor as experience and knowledge are shared both ways, benefiting both members of the relationship.

… for protégées  Personal support through your challenging first year(s) from someone who can relate to your experience.  Advice on studying patterns and organizing your schedule.  Inside information about where to focus on your MBA program (TMAs, Study Notes, exams etc.)  Advice on electives and dissertation.  A friendly chat when times get rough!

… for mentors      

A sense of accomplishment and empowerment Passion to help and make a difference in other people’s lives Desire to “give back” to the WBS community in a meaningful way Fulfill a sense of social responsibility Recognition by the WBS MBA community Having experienced the benefits of mentoring yourself you’d like to “return the favor” to someone else

Program Goals The overall goal of the program is to help students develop their skills and succeed in their MBA studies, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Some of the program’s specific goals are: Protégées • • •

To gain valuable insight into the WBS MBA program from a senior member of the WBS student community. To be part of a two-way relationship that will help you boost your self-insight and autonomy. To develop your communication skills and your ability to engage with others in a confident and frank manner.

Mentors • • • •

To develop mentoring and leadership skills. To give something back and make a difference. To learn how to effectively pass on your knowledge and experience to others. To be confronted with different perspectives and mindsets.

Guiding Principles 1. Participation is voluntary and driven by the student. 2. The relationship lasts for 1 year but can be extended upon agreement by both parties. 3. The matching of a protégée with a mentor is based on the type of the MBA program (DL, FT, Exec) and the (current or indented) career interests of the protégée. 4. The frequency and nature of contact as well as the expectations are discussed and agreed between the two parties (mentor and protégée) at the beginning of the relationship. 5. Regular feedback and self-assessment by both parties are strongly encouraged and help to realign and improve the relationship. 6. The program coordinator should provide facilitation and on-going support to mentors and protégées, as well as guidance in case the relationship is not working as agreed.

Program Schedule The program runs on a continuous basis, although you may feel you have more to gain if you join the program early on in your study program.

How To Apply Students To apply for the Buddy Scheme Program fill out the BSP Protégée Application Form and email it to the Program Coordinator Elena Patra. Mentors New mentors are always welcome – thank you! Fill out the BSP Mentor Application Form and email it to the Buddy Scheme Program Coordinator Elena Patra.

Any Questions? Email us.

WoW, did you come up with all of this yourself? www.mentoring.org www.mentorset.org.uk www.mbamentoring.org www.fastcompany.com/magazine/17/womentoring.html?page=0%2C0 www.business.uvic.ca/graduate/features/mentor