PR & Public Affairs Mentoring Programme
Looking to start out or develop your existing career journey within the PR & Communications or Public Affairs industry?
Do you need a steer on your next career steps or do you need support to understand the job market and receive advice on how to progress in the PR industry? If the answer is yes, then our six-month PR Mentoring Programme is for you!
Applications for the programme are open year round! To apply for the programme and join an upcoming cohort, click the ‘apply‘ link.
About the 6-Month Programme
Open to school leavers (18+), undergraduates (2nd, 3rd & final year), graduates and those interning or working within the PR and Public Affair industry, the PR Mentoring Programme is an opportunity to receive monthly structured support & guidance on entering and navigating the PR industry. During the programme, you will:
- Receive monthly mentoring sessions (6 in total) that support you in your career goals.
- Attend 2-3 virtual masterclasses with PR practitioners that provide tips on applying for roles, interviewing and understanding the industry
- Have the opportunity to work on tasks across the programme to build your experience and employability e.g. CV, cover letters, portfolio.
- Attend an in-person closing event with the cohort and TBF network to celebrate your progress and share what you have learnt!
Interested in being a mentor? Click here!
Some of our
previous Mentors have included….
What does the programme involve?
The PR Mentoring Programme is a hybrid 6-month programme that involves monthly mentoring sessions, access to insight workshops and resources that will support your next steps to entering the PR industry! If you already work in PR, as a mentee, you can also receive support on areas such as leadership, personal development and impact.
Monthly Mentoring Sessions
Monthly structured sessions (in-person or virtual) with your mentor that are tailored to your goals! We also share resources to provide guidance on the themes you can cover.
Masterclasses
You will have opportunities to join virtual masterclasses that are hosted by PR practitioners. These will cover topics such as an introduction to PR, interview tips and building experience.
Pastoral Support
You will have consistent support from the TBF team through regular check-ins, group meetings and in-person events and resources to maximise your experience and goals.
Networking
Mentees will have opportunities to connect with their fellow cohort through masterclasses & our closing event that celebrates your achievements!
Practical Skills
Mentees will have the option to work on tasks set by the Foundation to support their learning and insights into the PR industry.
Alumni Community
Mentees will be joining a community of 1200+ alumni! As alumni you will have access to alumni events, opportunities and support.
Application Process
Mentee applications are accepted all year round and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Mentoring cohorts will run in November 2025, April 2026 and September 2026. For the November 2025, successfully matched mentees will be informed in October 2025.
Submit Application Form
The first step in the process involves submitting a written application form. This will support the team in finding your mentor. Once submitted, the team will review you application & inform you of the next steps and outcome.
Mentoring Matching Begins
The team will review your application and begin the process of matching mentoring pairs. If you have been matched, the team will inform you and invite you to a mentoring briefing webinar.
Programme Onboarding
Mentees will attend a briefing session to welcome you to the programme and provide you with support to decide your goals and receive resources to support you over the next 6 months.
Mentoring Begins!
You will be introduced to your mentor and schedule an introductory meeting. From there, the mentoring programme will begin!
How to Apply
Applications for the programme are open all year for mentees but the programme will run in cohorts.
The next cohort will begin in November 2025 and finish in April 2026. Our following cohorts will then be in April 2026 & September 2026.
If you would like to receive a mentor and take part, please click on the link here or button below to submit a written application form.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please email mentoring@taylorbennettfoundation.org
Programme Commitment & Eligibility
To participate, mentees have to meet the following requirements. Applications that do not meet the criteria will not be accepted:
- Mentees must be from a Black, Asian and/or minority ethnic background
- You can be a school leaver (18+), undergraduate student (2nd, 3rd or final year), graduate from any subject background. We also accept interns and individuals working in the industry
- You must have a keen and demonstrable interest in learning about and starting a career in PR and Communications.
- You must be able to commit to the full 6-month programme (6 mentoring sessions, briefing webinar, 2 masterclasses and in-person closing event)
How to submit a strong application
What would you like to achieve through this mentorship? What would you like to learn? Thinking through and showcasing your intentions for the programme is key.
Allyship and accountability are important for the success of both mentors and mentees. Ensure that your goals are realistic to achieve in the time frame given and the support you need.
For mentees, we are keen to understand why you are seeking a PR-specific mentor. How can a mentor working within this industry support you? What areas of PR are you keen to learn about? Having these insights will help ensure that you are matched to the most appropriate mentor.