Be a mentee
Mentor scheme now open
The Women in Journalism mentoring scheme is now open and you can apply here.
The application window will close on November 30 and sadly late applications will not be considered. You are only eligible to apply if you are one of our members. If you are not a member, you can sign up here.
You must be based in the UK and have a minimum of two years’ experience in the industry to be considered. Places are limited and awarded through a competitive process.
If your application is successful, you will be notified in December, and the details of your mentor will be shared with you in January, ready to start the new year.
Best of luck!
How our mentee scheme works
Mentees will meet with their mentor four times a year either online or in person. You will have decided three goals to work towards over the course of the year and together with your mentor will devise a strategy. You will be allocated a mentor based on the information you write in your application so please be thoughtful about your goals and the information you provide.
Our scheme is divided into junior mentees and senior mentees.
Junior Scheme
This scheme is for journalists with between two and five years experience. You must have already graduated and been working in the industry in order to be considered.
Senior Scheme
This scheme is for journalists who have a minimum of five years experience and most likely you’ll be looking for more senior positions or guidance on how to progress your career at a higher level. You may also be freelance, thinking of going freelance or considering how to diversify. If you have had a career break for whatever reason and are looking to return, this is most liekly the scheme for you.
Senior mentees are expected to become junior mentors the following year.
Scheme background
The Women in Journalism network is made up of some of the most influential and supportive female print, broadcast and online journalists of our time, from rising stars to seasoned professionals. They are based in London, the regions and overseas.
Our mentoring scheme matches them with women journalists in need of personal, one-to-one advice over a period of one year.
Our mentors can, for example, help with planning a career move, setting goals, a job application or CV – or just offer a supportive voice to turn to in confidence when the going gets tough. It can work both ways – mentors remark how they learn a lot from mentees who have new insights and skills as journalism shifts from print to digital and social platforms.
After a very successful nine years and 800 happy mentees, we are delighted to continue this scheme. Don’t just take our word from it. Here’s what previous mentees have to say about the scheme:
"I found my mentor to be a great sounding board in terms of advice. She also introduced me to top-level contacts that I would never have had the opportunity to meet."
Liz Perkins, Night News Editor, Daily Express
“The mentoring scheme has given me the confidence to propose ideas, pitch projects and apply for positions that I might have previously talked myself out of doing.”
Anna Turns, freelance environmental radio and TV journalist
“Donna Ferguson really helped me with mentoring in a concise personable approach honed to my writing experience.She was very knowledgeable and gave me proactive tips on how to gain work- she also really boosted my confidence. It's helped me do more freelance journalism.”
Annette Kellow, freelance lifestyle journalist
“The mentoring program was exactly the support I needed in a year that’s proven life-changing for my career. Rachel helped me to see the big picture, to consider and map out potential options, to prepare for tough meetings and, above all, to continue to feel inspired in the pursuit of my dreams. Knowing she was there for me whenever I needed advice was very reassuring and getting to hear some of her stories as a correspondent was very stimulating. I look forward to pass on some of the wisdom I gained from her to my future mentee.”
Sylvia Amaro, CNBC presenter
“The scheme has really helped me broaden my horizons and try different things in journalism that I didn’t have the confidence to do before. My mentor has been really supportive and strategic, always guiding me in the right direction and encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Um-E-Aymen Babar, Sky Sports News journalist
Our mentoring scheme is kindly sponsored by Tesco