Picture of Mentor Urmee Silvee with mentee Kyla Nwachukwu

Someone to lean on: Undergraduate Kyla Nwachukwu (left) with her MBA mentor Urmee Silvee

Warwick Business School has launched the CoACh enrichment programme, designed to pair MBA students with Undergraduates from non-traditional backgrounds in a unique mentoring initiative.

This programme aims to provide invaluable guidance and support to Undergraduates who have come from backgrounds where the norms and routes to a successful career are not as apparent.

Tina Kiefer, Assistant Dean for Widening Participation at WBS and Professor of Organisational Behaviour, said: “The CoACh enrichment programme is a fantastic opportunity for our Undergraduate students to gain valuable insights from those who have already walked the path they are about to embark on. It not only helps them academically but also boosts their confidence and prepares them for the challenges ahead.

“This programme helps Undergraduate develop the Change Maker mindset to not only create the career they dream of but to make a positive impact on the world.”

Esther Osazuwa, a BSc Management student, believes having a mentor has helped her design a clear path on how to build the career she dreams of.

“I benefited by being able to ask questions about interviewing and getting jobs,” said Esther, of Wolverhampton. “It has given me more assurance about how I can structure my way to getting the job I want; having that preparation has boosted my confidence in applying for jobs.

“It surprised me the friendship I built with my mentor. Our backgrounds are very different, but we found out how much we have in common, like, food and cooking. It is not just talking about careers; it is also about getting to know each other and building a friendship.”

Confidence boost: Undergraduate Esther Osazuwa says her mentor has helped find the career she wants

The WBS CoACh enrichment programme is structured to benefit both mentors and mentees. MBA students, who are often seasoned professionals, have the chance to develop their leadership and coaching skills.

They learn to communicate effectively with Undergraduate students, understand their perspectives, and provide tailored advice that can make a significant difference in the mentees' academic and personal lives.

Mentor Urmee Silvee, a Full-Time MBA student, of Dhaka in Bangladesh, said: “My job is to listen and guide the mentee, let them do the talking. My role was to give her nudges to guide her in the right direction. I found I needed to take a step back so they could speak their mind in a safe space.

“I gave her tips on building a CV and interviews, but I learned a lot as well. We built a friendship and this programme has helped me in my own self-development as well by being part of someone’s growing journey.

“It has helped me develop active listening and empathy. It takes a lot of maturity and restraint to genuinely listen out for somebody and be there, so you can advise and nudge them in the right direction.”

The programme includes regular mentoring sessions, workshops, and social events designed to build a strong mentor-mentee relationship. These interactions provide a platform for Undergraduate students to ask questions, seek advice, and discuss their concerns in a supportive environment.

One of the key aspects of the WBS CoACh enrichment programme is its focus on personal development. Undergraduate students are encouraged to set personal and academic goals, with their mentors helping them to create actionable plans to achieve these goals. This process not only helps students to stay focused and motivated but also teaches them valuable skills such as goal-setting, time management, and self-discipline.

Rachel Dickinson, Associate Professor and Programme Director of WBS CoACh enrichment programme, said: “The success of the programme is evident in the positive feedback from both mentors and mentees. Undergraduate students have reported feeling more confident and better prepared for their studies.

“And our MBA mentors gain as much from this experience as the Undergraduate students. They develop essential leadership skills, learn the art of mentoring, and often find the experience deeply rewarding. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

“The initiative has been designed to emphasise the importance of continuous learning, agility, resilience, and personal reflection, that includes professional identity and becoming work ready.

“Our starting point was to build authentic relationships with managers, with a vast range of industry experience, to address the current employability related needs, anxieties, and aspirations of Undergraduate students.

“At the core of the initiative was developing Undergraduates’ confidence and curiosity about the world of work, while making new and vital connections between professional development and personal growth – it has been a great success.”

Discover more about Warwick Business School’s Change Makers.