At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor 16-17 year olds, helping them develop skills and navigate their career paths.
- Company: Social Mobility Foundation, dedicated to supporting talented students from diverse backgrounds.
- Benefits: Make a real difference, gain mentoring experience, and connect with future leaders.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 hours per month, with online support and resources.
- Why this job: Empower young people to achieve their dreams and break down barriers to success.
- Qualifications: Experience in your career sector and strong communication skills.
Mentoring helps people dream bigger and reach higher. As an SMF mentor, you'll help talented young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds thrive in education and work. What difference will you make? Whilst talent is everywhere, regardless of social background, sadly, opportunity is not. Our SMF students face additional barriers to accessing top professions and they lack the support networks to help get them there. With the help of our fabulous mentors we support thousands of students each year across the UK to gain knowledge, develop skills, and feel confident that they can achieve their aspirations.
What are we looking for?
- Someone with several years of experience and knowledge of their career sector, who is willing to share this with students.
- Understanding and encouraging to support a young person who is at the very beginning of their career journey.
- Ability to help students plan, research, and develop their time management, as well as professional skills such as networking and communication.
We are particularly looking for volunteers with expertise in the following sectors:
- Accountancy
- Banking & Finance
- Law
- Medicine
- Politics
- Science & Engineering
- Technology
Ideally, volunteers will have had experience of recruitment processes within their sector, and will have strong communication skills.
What will you be doing?
As a mentor you would support a 16-17 year old for around 9 months (April 2026 - January 2027). Matches are made based on career sector interest and typically you would support with career insight, professional skill development, CV guidance, and support with post-18 choices and Personal Statements for example. Mentoring pairs communicate via our online messaging platform but also have the option to attend virtual events and have phone calls depending on their preferences. We ask mentors to commit around 1-2 hours per month to their mentoring relationship and be in contact around every two weeks throughout the programme.
Volunteers can sign up on our website until the 6th of March 2026 and we will be in touch with further details. For safeguarding purposes, all mentors must complete a DBS/PVG background check before they can be matched but the SMF will arrange this free of charge. Please feel free to contact the team (mentors@socialmobility.org.uk) if you have any questions.
Mentor 16-17 year old students online! employer: Socialmobility
As a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation, you will play a pivotal role in empowering talented young individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to achieve their dreams. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enhancing your own professional skills. With flexible online mentoring opportunities and a commitment to social change, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to a brighter future for the next generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mentor 16-17 year old students online!
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Mentor 16-17 year old students online!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Socialmobility, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Socialmobility.
How to prepare for a job interview at Socialmobility
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Socialmobility and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
