Today is National Mentoring Day. Mentoring changes lives! Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have access to 1. They lack the confidence & the network to find a mentor. 1/9

There is a huge gap in access to mentors with those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic minorities and women finding it more difficult to secure a mentor. 2/9

A research paper published in 2016 found that, in higher education faculties, mentors tended to choose mentee that closely resembled themselves in terms of race, class and gender. 3/9

It is imperative that we all recognise our part in mentoring others in our community. I have compiled my top tips on how you can find your own. 4/9

1.DON'T BE SCARED TO REACH OUT: you have nothing to lose. Put your ego aside and be ready to hear "no" but remember, just one yes can change your life. Mentorship is a two-way street; your mentor is gaining a lot from you too so don't feel you are taking & not giving 5/9

2. BE PREPARED: you will all have a limited amount of time so state your goals very clearly so you can both start tackling the beast. 6/9

3. IT'S OK TO BE YOU: I once had a mentee who tried to be completely different during our session, I guess they read that research paper & assumed I would like them more if they were more like me. The real you is more than enough if you want a chance of getting somewhere 7/9

4. POLITINESS IS UNDERRATED: you have no idea what a handwritten thank you card can do to someone. After your initial meeting send your mentor a thank you card or email. It will solidify your relationship from the start 8/9

Mentoring is sometimes overlooked by students but it is a key to your future success. I hope this have given you some ideas and motivation to find your mentor. 9/9