Mentorships: In this series, we ask our students how they found success in the Professional Liaison Network.
Gabriel, a BSc Economics student, made a significant journey from Brazil to the UK to study at the University of Bristol. Gabriel’s academic dreams became a reality thanks to the Think Big Scholarship. We caught up with him to discuss how the Professional Liaison Network (PLN) mentoring programme has influenced his career aspirations.
Gabriel chose Bristol for several reasons. ‘The university has a nice economics department and also an international foundation programme, which some universities I would have considered did not,’ he explained. The quantitative focus of the curriculum and the vibrant university presence in a smaller city were also critical factors in his decision.
Discovering the PLN Mentoring Programme
Gabriel first learned about the PLN mentoring programme through the university’s careers website and a mention from one of his lecturers. He was paired with Sarah Barker, a Bristol alumna and senior economic consultant at Economic Insight. This connection proved invaluable.
‘Having a mentor opened my eyes to career paths I could pursue with my degree that I hadn’t considered possible,’ Gabriel shared. Economic consulting, a field less commonly pursued by economics students, became a viable option for him through his mentorship. Sarah provided insights that Gabriel couldn’t find online, such as potential career paths, required qualifications, and the nature of daily work in economic consulting.
Gaining confidence and direction
Gabriel’s mentorship experience was not just about gaining information but also about gaining confidence. ‘I ended up doing my internship this summer in this area, and having a mentor gave me the confidence to know that it would be a good choice,’ he said. Sarah’s advice reassured him that his interest in university-level economics would translate well into a career in economic consulting.
The benefits of mentorship
Gabriel highlighted several benefits of having a mentor. ‘One main benefit is that it helps you better direct your energy and time,’ he noted. The mentorship gave him crucial insights into what employers look for, which helped him tailor his applications and focus his efforts more effectively. ‘This inside knowledge might also help your chances of getting a position in your desired field,’ he added.
Gabriel found the practical exercises were extremely valuable. ‘Something particularly nice was the mentoring challenge we had to do,’ Gabriel recalled. Sarah involved the mentees in a project that mirrored real-world economic consulting work, which gave Gabriel a clearer understanding of the field.
Another benefit of the mentorship programme is the sense of community and collaborative environment it fosters. ‘As you are matched with a group with the same mentor, you get to meet people interested in the same thing as you. This can be useful in figuring out where to apply and what other opportunities might be out there.’
Developing professional skills
The mentorship also helped Gabriel develop important professional skills. He learned more about ‘consulting skills’ and how to interact professionally. The PLN emphasised this aspect and helped him build a stronger professional network.
Career services
Beyond mentorship, Gabriel took advantage of other career services at Bristol. Early exposure to economic consulting through a first-year session and CV revision support were instrumental in shaping his career trajectory. ‘This might be one of the most beneficial things you can do before applying,’ he advised.
Achievements and advice for future students
Reflecting on his time at Bristol, Gabriel is proud of his academic achievements and the friendships he has formed. His advice to future international students is clear: ‘International students need mentors who can guide them professionally, mainly because there are many challenges international students have to face in the job market.
Find out more about the Professional Liaison Network.
Read more Mentorship stories: Here’s how Charlotte came to study in Bristol from Malaysia after receiving the Think Big Scholarship