INTRODUCTION TO THE PR MENTORING PROGRAMME

The Taylor Bennett Foundation offers black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates (18+) interested or already working in public relations (PR) and communications the opportunity to join our six-month mentoring programme.

Designed to directly address the need for greater ethnic diversity in the communications and PR industry, the Taylor Bennett Foundations six-month PR Mentoring Programme is an opportunity for candidates to gain a clear understanding of the public relations industry. We do this by providing insight into the different strands of the sector, readying candidates for the job market, alongside identifying career objectives with the support and guidance from an experienced practitioner.

Applications for the programme are accepted 2-3 times a year (Spring, Summer and Autumn).

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APPLICATIONS FOR THE AUTUMN 2023 PR MENTORING PROGRAMME ARE OPEN! TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE. 

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What is the PR Mentoring Programme?

Throughout the programme, experienced PR and communication practitioners will provide counsel and guidance to candidates across their areas of interest, including insights into the PR industry, professional development, employability support, and career progression. By the end of the programme, candidates would have reached their set goals and objectives pertaining to the industry.

The Foundation has appointed a wide range of mentors that span across different industry sectors such as Consumer, Corporate, Public Affairs, TMT, Financial Services and much more. 

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WHAT WILL BEING MENTORED INVOLVE?

• Being proactive and outlining your goals and objectives to obtain success.
• Scheduling and organising your 1-2-1 hybrid mentoring sessions.
• Once you have completed the application form, we will match you with someone that works in the PR and communications industry and aligns with your interests and goals.
  • There will be no financial cost to you as the mentee.

Throughout the programme, the mentee will have:

• Support in navigating their career by meeting their objectives and goals set for the programme
• A mentor to hand that will provide counsel to you and will be available to answer your queries
• The chance to build and expand your professional network
• The opportunity to share challenges faced in the industry

Once you have completed the application form, we will match you with someone that currently works in the PR and communications industry and aligns with your own goals. 

2022 mentors are: 

Alma PR, Arup, BT, Camarco, CCgroup, Cognito Media, Diageo, Finn Partners, Firstlight, Google, Greenhouse, Greentarget, Harpswood, Harvard, HSBC, iseepr, Keskt CNC, Lloyds Banking Group, London Communications Agency, Meta, MSL Group, Nestle, PHA Group, Savills, Sky, Stone Junction, Stripe Communications, Tinman Comms, Tulchan Communications, Vodeno, Words and Pixels, WPR

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WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• You must be 18+ and come from a Black, Asian, and minority ethnic background
• You must be able to commit to six months of being mentored in the UK
• You must have an demonstrable interest or experience in the PR and communications industry in the UK
• You must be able to outline what you aim to achieve in the programme clearly

What mentees have said about the PR Mentoring Programme

"The programme has definitely met my objectives. I have increased my network and confidence and drastically improved my CV."

"Amazing! Would do it again and recommend it to everyone—the best opportunity to network and meet people in your field."

"This programme has met and exceeded my expectations. I have been in contact with a lot of people through my mentor, which will help me in the future. This programme is a perfect opportunity for students to see what it’s like working in the real world. Not only have I learnt key aspects of working within a business, but I’ve also learnt things to carry on outside the business throughout life."

"Not only did my mentor help me achieve my objectives and goals by setting aside what to do and how to go about it, but he also bought up key points for life decisions I will have to make, and we discussed how I could go about this to help me figure out what my next step in life is."

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HOW TO APPLY

Applications for our spring mentoring programme are now open. To apply, please click here.

Applications will close on October 13th 2023 (10:00am). We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so early applications are encouraged. 

If you have any enquiries regarding the programme then please email [email protected].