Learning and Development

Mentoring Programme

Connect and advance with BIMA. Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are opening on 20th March.

Mentoring with BIMA

Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are opening on 20th March.

BIMA Mentoring is a powerful initiative that helps aspiring digital professionals get ahead.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Or are you tackling the latest road block in your agency’s growth? Joining our established Mentoring Programme as a mentee is the perfect way to build, clarify and develop your strategy for the next level.

Or are you ready to pay it back and use your experience to build the talent and skills within our digital community? Being a mentor helps develop your own skills and introduces you to new and exciting collaborations.

To be a mentee you must be a BIMA member however mentors can be non-members.

How Mentoring Works

What is the BIMA Mentoring Programme?

This is a six-month programme that supports all levels of talent development in the digital industry.

Mentees are matched with a compatible mentor from another organisation, based on experience and interest area and no more than two ‘levels’ higher up.

Is the Programme right for me?

Applications to the programme, as a mentor or mentee, are welcome from anyone at any level and in any role however to be a mentee is a BIMA member-only opportunity.

Why would it benefit me?

For employers it’s a cost-effective way to invest in the future of your people. It brings new ideas and experiences, whether you provide mentors or mentees, and drives internal mentoring and coaching skills.

For individuals mentoring offers unique access to a pool of time-served knowledge that you can harness for your own and your team’s development.

 

How long does the Mentoring Programme last?

The programme lasts for six months. Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are opening on 20th March.

Please note mentees will be invoiced an administration fee of £395+VAT.

Case Study
My BIMA Mentoring Experience by Tom Downing, Technology Director at Freestyle

Read Tom's story

Case Study
My BIMA Mentoring Experience by Harry Gadsby, Focal Point Media

Read Harry's story

Case Study
My BIMA Mentoring Experience by AK Connor, Brand Manager at Audible

Read AK's story

Become a BIMA Mentee

Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are opening on 20th March.

Why have a mentor?

Having a mentor can really help unlock potential. You maybe looking for someone to challenge your current thinking or to help develop your on-the-job skillset. Or, it could be you want to navigate a roadblock, release your leadership qualities, or further develop your craft. Whatever your motivation, a mentor is there to help you, re-calibrate your approach, and channel action.

How do you match me with someone appropriate?

The BIMA Mentoring Council uses the information you provide on your application form to make the right match. The more information you give us when you apply to be a mentee, the closer and more successful the match.

How does the relationship work?

We provide a variety of resources and information to give your journey structure, but it’s between you and your mentor to set the tone and objectives. You decide what you want to achieve together in your first session.

How frequently do you run the Mentoring Programme?

Programmes run throughout the year at staggered starting points. Each cohort sees us successfully match 30-40 mentors with mentees.

What are the costs?

The £395 + VAT fee acts as a contribution to the overall costs of venue hire, kick-off sessions, ongoing personal support and programme admin. Whether funded by your agency or personally, it’s a hugely worthwhile career investment – as many mentees tell us.

Who are the mentors?

Our mentors are senior BIMA members who volunteer their time to support the personal and professional development of others from within the BIMA membership. All mentees are typically matched with mentors up to two levels higher, so the experienced shared is relevant and appropriate. Whatever your role and level, we’ll match you with a mentor with the right skills set to help you progress.

Can I change mentors after matching?

Yes, we can discuss a switch to an alternative mentor if required. However we take great care to make sure we achieve the right pairings at the matching process, and a switch is something that happens extremely rarely.

What should I expect from the programme?

Once you are underway, we’ll be in touch throughout the programme to ensure you are getting the best from your mentor. Remember, your mentor is investing their time to help you for free, so the more you invest in the sessions and programme the more rewarding it is for both of you.

 

When does the next programme start?

Applications for the Autumn 2023 cohort are now open.

Become a BIMA Mentor

Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are opening on 20th March.

What are the benefits of being a mentor?

Mentoring someone else who seeks guidance and support enhances leadership and emotional intelligence. It’s the ideal way to give back and feel rewarded for positively shaping the career of someone else.

Being a BIMA Mentor is something you should be proud of, and the success of the programme relies on your time and commitment. It’s clear what mentees gain from a mentoring relationship, but mentors also learn a lot and we wanted to make sure you get the very best from this experience.

Starting from this summer, when you sign up as a mentor you will now be asked to join a half-day mentors workshop, expertly crafted and delivered by our resident coach, Jason Campbell. This workshop is specifically designed to give both guidance and practical tools to someone new to mentoring and also sharpen up and refresh your mentoring skills if you have done this before.

Once you complete the training you will not only become a BIMA certified mentor, but you will be equipped with up-to-date mentoring skills to take back into your own teams and use in your everyday communication.

What's the structure?

We provide a variety of resources and information to give structure, and from there it’s between you and your mentee to set the tone and objectives. You decide what you want to achieve together.

How long does a Programme last?

A rewarding six-month programme, most mentors meet their mentees once a month for a six-month period. Each session is usually 1-2 hours long.

How frequently do you run the Mentoring Programme?

Programmes run throughout the year at staggered starting points. Each cohort sees us successfully match 30-40 mentors with mentees, and as a mentor you are committing for the 6 month programme, or longer if you would like to.

What does it cost to be a Mentor?

There are no fees for mentors who volunteer their time, although mentees pay a small contribution to BIMA to cover the overall costs of training, kick-off sessions, ongoing personal support and programme admin.

Do I have the right level of experience to be a Mentor?

Our mentors are experienced professionals who give career support to other BIMA members. All mentors are typically matched with mentees a couple of levels lower, so the experienced shared is relevant and appropriate. Whatever your role and level, we’ll match you with a mentee to help them progress.

What support do I get from BIMA?

We’ll be in touch throughout the programme to ensure you get the support you need to be an effective mentor. The more you invest in the sessions and programme the more rewarding it is for both of you.

Completing your application form

Our mentoring council has put together a short video to help you prepare your application to be a mentor or mentee.

Watch the video
I came to the conclusion that I needed to talk to someone with insight into my situation. I knew that through BIMA I would be able to discuss the issues I was facing “openly and honestly, with someone with credibility and an experienced ear.
Harry Gadsby, Focal Point Media

Join BIMA

Not a BIMA member yet? Join our vibrant and forward-thinking community today.

Learn more here