Be a mentee
The 2025 mentoring scheme is now OPEN! Apply here.
(Closing date December 31, 2024)
How would you like some of the most experienced women in the media to nurture your career?
Our 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 even 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 eight years and 700 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:
Liz Perkins, Night News Editor, Daily Express:
"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."
Anna Turns, freelance environmental radio and TV journalist:
“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.”
Annette Kellow, freelance lifestyle 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.”
Sylvia TV Reporter for CNBC in London:
“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.”
Um-E-Aymen Babar, Sky Sports News journalist:
“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.”
This years mentoring scheme is now closed for applications. It will reopen in the autumn- watch out for details on our newsletter and social media. To join our bespoke scheme you will need to be a member of women in journalism
How our mentee scheme works
There are two schemes. Both run for a year, but many mentors and mentees stay in touch after that informally and become valued contacts.
Senior Scheme: for journalists with at least five years industry experience
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. Women who are planning or have taken a career break are welcome to apply, as are those who have lost their job, contracts, or freelance work. Mentors will be selected from our committee and our broader network. **Senior mentees are expected to become junior mentors the following year
Junior Scheme: for journalists with two to five years industry experience
We are sorry but we don’t accept applications from students or if you have been working as a journalist for less than two years. Your mentor will be a mentee from a previous senior scheme, who will now be in a more senior or satisfying role.
Our mentoring scheme is kindly sponsored by Tesco