A sixth former from Space Studio West London is celebrating following her recent graduation from a mentoring programme which has equipped her with new skills.
The mentoring scheme is a collaborative initiative between property investment company, SEGRO and SPARK!, one of its Community Investment Plan partners in the boroughs of Hounslow and Hillingdon. It is designed to provide young people with opportunities to gain valuable experience and insights into various industries. The scheme brings together mentors and mentees from different companies and locations, aiming to help students enhance their skills in leadership, communication, and other areas crucial for their future careers.
Bilyana Petrova, 17, applied to the programme following a school trip organised by SEGRO:
“We visited Topaz, the car detailing company where we saw many different cars being laminated, and talked with one of the head workers. We also toured GXO, which deals with supply chain logistics and saw how they packaged clothes and other items such as bags and shoes. I was really interested in the companies’ operations and how different they were. After the trip we had a chance to apply for the mentoring programme and I was lucky enough to get a place.”
Bilyana was assigned a mentor, Nikolet Atanasova, from international law firm Gowling WLG, who supported her as she progressed through the six week programme.
“Nikolet was so helpful,” explains Bilyana. “I was not very confident at all at the beginning of the process, but she helped me understand how to speak to people and to think about body language and she sent me videos to watch so I could build my confidence week by week.”
By the end of the scheme, Bilayana had worked on communication skills, interviewing techniques, CV writing, teamwork and leadership skills, and impressed her teachers at SSWL which places a strong emphasis on employability skills.
Steph Lee, Careers Leader at Space Studio, is delighted with Bilyana’s success:
“The objectives of the mentoring scheme are to expose young people to new experiences, facilitate networking with professionals, and offer guidance on life and career decisions post-graduation. Bilyana has made the most of the opportunity and it has been lovely to watch her grow in confidence. She is the only Space student to participate so she’s been very enterprising!”
The programme culminated in a graduation event held at SEGRO’s Head Office in New Burlington Place and was attended by 20 other mentees from various schools.
“It was really special,” explains Bilyana. “ All the people were extremely friendly, not only employees and mentors but also the other mentees from different schools. It felt very welcoming – a great experience!”
As she embarks on her final year at school, Bilyana feels better equipped for her future: “I found the programme really valuable and helpful, so I will definitely keep in touch with my mentor, Nikolet, and as I progress and move on, we will continue talking.”
This content is reproduced courtesy of Hounslow Herald.