What Is Chester Exchange?
Chester Exchange connects students and recent Graduates (within 15 months of graduation) with a professional mentor to support their career thinking, confidence and future direction.
Think of it as: ✅A supportive, informal mentoring experience ✅A space to have conversations and explore ideas ✅About learning, exploring and growing ✅About you and your development
Programme Overview
🎓 Step 1: Join a short virtual training session (Student/Graduates) Get prepared, set expectations and learn how to make the most of mentoring 🧩 Step 2: Student/Graduates get matched with a mentor Based on your interests, goals and preferences 💬 Step 3: Mentor-Mentee have their first conversation Start building your connection and exploring your goals
🤝 Step 4: Meet at the Chester Exchange event 📍11 June | Chester Town Hall | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
🔁 Step 5: Follow-up conversation Reflect, ask more questions and take your next steps Please note: You will be responsible for contacting your mentor and arranging your meetings once details are shared.
You’ll have at least 3 interactions — more if you prefer!
Who Can Apply To Be A Mentee?
Open to all University of Chester students and recent graduates (upto 15 months).
We especially encourage: 🟢 Undergraduate final year students 🟢 Students from under represented backgrounds 🟢 Students exploring different career directions 🟢 Students looking to build confidence 🟢 Students who may not have access to professional networks
Ready to Apply?
Application Deadline: 05/May/2026
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
Support students and graduates by sharing your experience, insights and professional journey.
What's Involved?
🟢 Be matched with a student or graduate 🟢 Take part in three mentoring interactions 🟢 Attend the Chester Exchange event 📍 Chester Town Hall 📅 Thursday 11 June 2026 🕐 1:00pm – 3:30pm
We Welcome Interest From:
🟢 Professionals across all sectors 🟢 Early-career and experienced professionals 🟢 Business owners and founders/co-founders, freelancers 🟢 University of Chester alumni 🟢 Individuals interested in supporting diverse and emerging talent
Ready To Get Involved?
Deadline To Express Your Interest: 05/May/2026
Respectful Behaviour and Reporting Concerns
The University reminds students that in any situation, in any part of the University or when involved in any activities associated with the University including those undertaken away from University premises, students must abide by the University’s The Student Code of Conduct. We are committed to a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
The University encourages the students to report any unacceptable behaviour so that appropriate action can be taken, support can be provided, and any concerns can be addressed. This includes experiences or observations of harassment or bullying, discrimination or hate-related incidents, abuse or inappropriate behaviour, or any situation that makes you or someone else feel unsafe.
Mentors participating in the University of Chester programmes and events are expected to follow the University’s safeguarding and professional conduct guidance. This ensures that all mentoring interactions take place in a safe, respectful and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Places are limited and applying does not guarantee participation. Successful applicants must be available to attend the Chester Town Hall event on 11 June, attend an online training and arrange mentoring meetings with their assigned mentor.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, please contact careermentoring@chester.ac.uk
See you on the programme!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a clear career goal yet? That’s absolutely fine. This programme is designed to help you explore your interests and figure out your direction.
Will I get a job through this? No, this programme is not designed to lead directly to a job. It focuses on building your confidence, understanding careers and developing professional connections.
How will I be matched with a mentor? Matches are based on your interests, goals and preferences, as well as mentor availability. While we aim to find a strong match, we cannot guarantee a perfect fit.
Is this a formal mentoring programme? No, this is a supportive and informal mentoring experience. It’s a space to have open conversations, ask questions and explore your career ideas.
Do I need prior experience to apply? No, this programme is open to all students and graduates (within 15 months of graduation) and is designed to support you wherever you are in your career journey.
What if I don’t know what to talk about? That’s completely normal. You’ll receive training and suggested questions to help you prepare and make the most of your conversations.
Who arranges the meetings? You will be expected to contact your mentor and arrange your meetings directly, once the details are shared. This is part of building professional communication skills.
Do I have to attend the in-person Chester Exchange event on 11 June? Yes, attendance at the in-person event is required to take part in the programme.
How many times will I meet my mentor? You will have at least three interactions: one before event, in-person event, one follow-up after event. You may meet more if you and your mentor agree.
What if my mentor/mentee is unavailable or doesn’t respond? If you experience any issues, you can contact the Careers and Employability Team and we will support you.
What if I feel uncomfortable during mentoring? You are encouraged to speak to the Careers and Employability Team. The University also provides a reporting system for any concerns to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
Can I stay in touch with my mentor after the programme? Yes, if both you and your mentor are happy to continue the connection.
What should I wear to the in-person Chester Exchange event on June 11? We recommend smart-casual and comfortable clothing. You don’t need anything overly formal; just something that feels relaxed but presentable for learning, networking and taking part in activities.
Will food be provided at the Chester Exchange event? Yes, food will be provided at the venue. We will provide food and drinks options for all registered attendees. Please inform us if you have any dietary requirements, allergies, etc in your application form.
Is this a paid opportunity? No, participation in the Chester Exchange programme is voluntary and is not a paid opportunity. Mentors take part to share their experience, support student development and contribute to regional talent and community engagement.
Credits:
Careers and Employability Team at The University of Chester