Brookes Connections

Career mentoring for recent graduates

All alumni can join Brookes Connections to network with their fellow alumni and students. If you graduated less than three years ago, you are eligible to receive mentoring from experienced alumni in professional jobs. They can provide one-to-one careers advice, support and guidance on their profession.

Sign-in to Brookes Connections »

  • advice and encouragement from an experienced professional
  • support to prepare you for your chosen career
  • insights and connections from alumni to enhance your career prospects
  • first-hand assistance writing a job application, a cover letter, or receiving interview tips
  • advice and guidance to help you settle into your new role i.e. help with contracts, career progression etc. 

The programme is delivered online by Oxford Brookes alumni. You choose who you want to mentor you and/or who to ask questions - based on their professional and educational background.

Networking

 

By joining the platform, you are free to search, in-platform message and network with alumni professionals. Most alumni sync their Linked-In profile when setting up their account; thus, you will be able to view this information, and sync your own account to your profile.

 

Ask a Question

Our "Ask a Question" programme is an excellent resource for anyone unable to commit to a long-term mentoring relationship but would like to connect on a one-off basis for careers-related advice. You can search for mentors in particular industries/sectors and ask them a one-off question about anything career-related. This option is open all year round, once you’ve signed up.

 

Recent Graduates' Advanced Scheme

Brookes Connections gives you the opportunity to partner with a mentor of your choice to receive ongoing support from alumni professionals for up to three years out. You can choose the topics to discuss with your mentor, and end the relationship whenever it suits you.

 

Contact is likely to be on a weekly basis. You can only connect with one mentor at a time, but you can always end the mentoring relationship and seek a new mentor. You are still able to network and use the Ask a Question function whilst being mentored on this scheme.

You can select a mentor according to the criteria important to you. Who you choose will depend on you but some possible reasons for selecting a mentor include:

  • They work in a sector or industry you’re interested in.
  • They live or work abroad and can give cultural insights about the job, and living/working in another country.
  • They studied a similar subject to you.
  • They hold a senior position in your chosen industry and can help inform your future ambitions and priorities.
  • They have recently graduated and can give you advice about recruitment practices you might face.
  • They can explain how their qualification relates to their day to day job, and about transferable skills.

Are you:

  • a recent graduate looking for a career mentor?
  • looking for advice on what to do next?
  • hoping to widen your network?
  • seeking out new opportunities?
  • wanting to find out more information about a particular industry?

If any of the above apply to you, then Brookes Connections would be a good programme for you to join.

As a mentee using this service, you will:

  • be able to build and expand your employability skills
  • be eager to learn
  • be open to taking career advice from professionals
  • have questions about your future career that you are keen to ask
  • be willing engage with your mentor’s suggestions and advice.

You should expect to be in contact with your mentor once a week. You will agree between you topics for discussion, and the exact frequency and timing of your communications.