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Alexandra Le Seelleur studied a BSc in Human Sciences, graduating in 2009. She is currently self-employed as a insights and strategy consultant, and in her career has worked in marketing research, analytics, and strategy, predominantly in the tech and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries.

She also volunteers as the Chair for the Friends of Eastern Road Nature Reserve, where she works with Mid Â鶹ӳ»­ District Council to manage and promote a local nature reserve, partnering closely with charities, experts, volunteers, and the local community to drive measurable outcomes.

Alexandra has volunteered as a mentor on the Global Mentoring Programme since 2022. For the 2024/2025 Global Mentoring Programme Alexandra met her mentee, a third year BSc Marketing and Management with Psychology student online throughout the programme.

What made you apply for the mentoring programme?

I wanted to help young people find a career that is meaningful to them and support them in navigating all the many choices they face as graduates. When I saw the opportunity, I thought back to how valuable it would have been for me as a student – a mentor could have helped me explore how to turn my skills and passions into a fulfilling career and make smarter decisions along the way. Back then, I was often guided by the people and jobs available around me rather than shaping my own path. Over time, I’ve worked on creating my own opportunities and mentoring is my way of passing that lesson on. It’s also a chance to give back to the place that gave me the freedom and opportunity to grow in so many ways, from indulging my love of learning, to studying abroad, to forming life-long friendships.

“Mentoring has helped me strengthen my listening and leadership skills, while also giving me insight into the challenges today’s graduates face.”

Alexandra Le Seelleur (BSc Human Sciences 2005)

What have you gained from your mentoring relationship?

I’ve gained just as much from the students as (I hope!) they’ve gained from me. Mentoring has helped me strengthen my listening and leadership skills, while also giving me insight into the challenges today’s graduates face. For better or worse, issues like AI, geopolitics, and climate change are changing the job market quite drastically. A lot of career guidance is out of date given the current pace of change, so I think it can help mentees to have an honest and up-to-date perspective on these matters. For example, a marketing career today looks very different to 20 years ago: marketers now have to think about things like greenwashing, data regulation, or what parts of their roles might be replaced with AI. Discussing these topics with mentees is a much-needed chance for me to reflect on what my own personal journey is going to look like over the next few years.

What would you say to someone considering a mentoring relationship?

Be honest – do you know exactly where you're going or how you're going to get there? If the answer's no, then having a mentor could really help you identify your options. Do you think you'll be able to commit to one or two hours a month, plus be proactive in between sessions? If the answer's no, then having a mentor probably isn't for you. Mentors are happy to volunteer their time to support mentees, regardless of their motivation, as long as mentees are willing to put in the effort.

For those approaching mentoring with clear goals and a set path in mind, we can help you with things like mock interviews and networking skills. For those who have yet to find their calling, we can help you identify your strengths, values, and vision, and guide you in creating a plan that fits. We can help you figure out the type of work that might best suit or interest you – for example whether to be employed or self-employed; whether to work in the third, public, or private sector; what industry to work in; what size organisation to work for; or whether to specialise or go into management. The programme isn't a huge time commitment, and mentors understand the demands of student life so are pretty flexible if needed.

Do you have any advice for recent graduates and students thinking of approaching a mentor?

The Global Mentoring Programme is a special opportunity – grab it while you can! Free mentoring from experienced professionals isn’t something you come across often, and even an hour a month can save you years of trial and error. Although it really is a case of the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Don’t expect your mentor to make decisions for you but do expect them to guide you toward making better ones for yourself.

Ultimately, mentoring is about more than just “getting a job.” It’s about finding work that nurtures your talents, aligns with your values, and gives you real satisfaction. That also comes from life outside work – volunteering, building a support network, and enjoying hobbies all contribute towards that sense of fulfilment and can even strengthen your career. Mentors will use their experience to help you find that balance between earning and learning in your early career, and to guide you towards a career that makes you happy with what you have while working for what you want. It's always a privilege to be part of that journey and the best mentoring relationships often continue well beyond the programme, so don’t hesitate to approach a mentor – we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t enjoy it!

While Alexandra met her mentee through the mentoring programme, you don’t need the University to organise mentoring relationships on your behalf. You can find your own mentor on . Simply create an account, search for alumni already in the industry you’re interested in and send them a message. Make sure to look out for those who say they are ‘Willing to help’ in their profile.