The Leeds: Connections Framework supports students and graduates by offering access to a network of opportunities that can assist them in shaping and achieving their desired futures.
Strategic links
Leeds: Connections Framework was designed to support the University of Leeds’ strategic objectives by fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, inclusivity, and integrity. It aligns with our ‘Universal Values, Global Change Strategy’ by promoting a values-driven approach to education that prepares students to contribute to a fairer future and address global challenges. The framework also complements our ‘Access and Student Success Strategy’ by supporting the notion that students from all backgrounds can thrive. Additionally, it is underpinned by our ‘Student Opportunities and Futures Strategy’ by helping students develop the necessary attributes and skills for their future success, reflecting the University's commitment to student development and achievement.
Acting as a strategic facilitator, the framework enhances the University’s overarching strategies by providing a consistent and research-backed structure for student and graduate support. It empowers individuals to navigate and leverage the myriads of connection-building opportunities offered, aligning with the University’s mission to foster employability and professional growth. This initiative is instrumental in enabling students to articulate their experiences and skills effectively, setting the stage for their future career achievements.
Opportunities for students
Students seeking to enhance their career prospects can explore a wealth of opportunities through the MyCareer platform. This centralised portal offers access to various programmes and events designed to foster professional growth, such as personalised career guidance, mentoring schemes, and networking at career fairs. Additionally, students can gain practical experience by engaging in work placements, part-time internships, and volunteering opportunities, all of which are instrumental in building valuable connections and skills for their future careers.
Making mentoring meaningful
Leeds:Connections aims to expand notions of traditional mentoring with a more flexible, creative, supportive and accessible range of opportunities; opportunities that scaffold student reflections, provide first-hand insights into modern working life, enable psychosocial development, and enhance social capital.
Recognising the evolving needs of the student body and the modern workplace, our mentoring opportunities are inclusive, and we offer various schemes that cater to different student groups, ensuring that the benefits of mentoring are available to a broader audience.
The mentoring relationships formed under Leeds:Connections are symbiotic, with students gaining valuable guidance from experienced professionals who share their expertise and insights. This, in turn, aids in the students’ career development and personal growth.
Our Careers Mentoring and Widening Participation team oversees the management of these schemes, working collaboratively with alumni, employers, and students to ensure that the programmes are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the mentees. The schemes under Leeds:Connections, such as the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme, Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, eMentoring scheme, Next Steps Mentoring, Caring Connections, and partnerships like the PwC Diversity and Female schemes, exemplify a commitment to nurturing talent across a spectrum of backgrounds and disciplines.
In the words of a mentor from the Next Steps Scheme, “The mentorship process is an intangible, yet highly valuable experience that is often valued in the moment, and long after the fact. It is how useful principles are transferred from generation to generation. I feel honoured to be considered for this opportunity.”
Similarly, a mentee from the Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme shares their experience: “I have felt privileged to have access to the NTMS scheme this academic year. A big focus throughout our mentoring relationship was networking.
My mentor’s encouragement to go to networking events and her support in these has definitely given me more confidence in this area of meeting professionals and making connections in the industry.”
To find out more about Leeds: Connections Framework, email the Careers Mentoring and Widening Participation team at mentoring@leeds.ac.uk.