From Giving Back to Growing Forward: Why Businesses Should Embrace Mentoring

In today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape, businesses are constantly seeking ways to grow, innovate, and attract top talent. One powerful yet often underutilised strategy is mentoring. Far more than a goodwill gesture, mentoring students offers tangible benefits for organisations and their people. Through ARU’s Mentoring programme, businesses can invest in professional development, foster inclusive growth, and build meaningful connections with the next generation of talent. Discover how mentoring can energise your team, enhance your brand, and drive long-term success.

Develop your people and your business
Encouraging colleagues to mentor helps them grow professionally. It’s a recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity that builds leadership, communication, and coaching skills - essential for career progression and organisational success.

Step out of the comfort zone
Mentoring challenges individuals to think differently and adapt to new perspectives. This experience fosters resilience and creativity, qualities that benefit your business in a competitive market.

Expand networks and opportunities
Mentoring connects your team with other professionals and students, creating valuable networks that can lead to collaborations and recruitment opportunities. It’sa simple way to raise your organisation’s profile and attract early talent.

Gain fresh insights and ideas
Students bring curiosity and up-to-date knowledge from their studies. Their questions and approaches can spark innovation and help your team see challenges from new angles - without repeating the same old thinking.

Access future talent early
Mentoring gives your business early exposure to motivated individuals who may become excellent hires. It’s an opportunity to identify potential recruits who share your values and ambitions.

Boost confidence and motivation
Asking your people to consider mentoring a student shows you recognise their skills and experience. Mentors often report feeling more energised and positive about their own roles, which can improve morale and productivity across your organisation.

Champion widening participation
Our Mentoring at ARU programme targets students from underrepresented groups, helping to level the playing field and create fairer access to opportunities. By getting involved, your business plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion - values that are important to customers, employees, and society.

Encourage reflection and knowledge sharing
Mentoring isn’tjust about giving advice - it’s about learning too. Sharing expertise and reflecting on personal experiences can help staff clarify their own personal goals and strengthen their sense of purpose, reigniting their own passion and ambition. 

Make a real difference
Few experiences are as rewarding as seeing someone progress because of your support. Mentoring allows your business to make a tangible impact on the next generation while reinforcing your commitment to development and growth.

Mentoring is a win-win: students gain guidance, and businesses benefit from stronger teams, new ideas, and future talent. Ready to empower your people and lead by example? Learn more about our mentoring programme here: Mentoring at ARU.

Questions?

Contact Katie Johnson, Employability & Careers Adviser for Mentoring – [email protected]