皇家华人

Denise Amankwah (BA Linguistics 2016) is helping UCL students to build their confidence through the UCL Skills Mentoring Programme.

University life can be daunting for some, especially if you鈥檙e from a background that鈥檚 less represented in your chosen course of study or career path. This is an experience that Denise Amankwah (BA Linguistics听2016) can relate to, so she鈥檚 now helping others to build their confidence through the UCL Skills Mentoring Programme.

Denise grew up in London, but initially had no knowledge of UCL or Russell Group universities. 鈥淚 was getting good grades and my friend was applying, so I looked on the university leadership table and put my application in,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was a great decision!鈥�

While Denise enjoyed her studies, it was the support she received from her lecturer that really inspired her. She says: 鈥淭here was a time when I was depressed, but didn鈥檛 realise it. My lecturer bonded with me and cared about my background. She suggested I see a counsellor, which hadn鈥檛 even crossed my mind. That was so important for me.鈥�

Paying it back

Now in a successful career as a speech and language advisor at I CAN, a children鈥檚 communication charity, Denise felt a deep urge to give back to students in a similar position to her. So, when she saw a post about becoming an alumni mentor, she decided to volunteer.

鈥淭he signing-up process was smooth,鈥� says Denise. 鈥淎lthough, from the introduction email, I realised my mentee and I weren鈥檛 on the same course 鈥� I took Linguistics and she studies Russian and History 鈥� so I wasn鈥檛 initially sure what we would talk about. We actually bonded over both being from under-represented backgrounds. Even though our courses aren鈥檛 similar, we have lots in common.鈥�

Building confidence

The UCL Skills Mentoring Programme connects graduates with students, to help students develop skills and professional habits to thrive in any career. In Denise鈥檚 case, the monthly half-hour sessions created a space for her mentee to ask questions, develop essential life skills and learn from Denise鈥檚 experiences, achievements, and insights.

鈥淚 was building her confidence,鈥� says Denise. 鈥淚 wanted her to see that she is smart, so she doesn鈥檛 need to compare herself to other people that might have had a private education or parents that went to university. I also showed her how to job-search and reach out to recruitment officers.鈥�

For Denise, this relationship has also helped her to fine-tune some vital skills she needs in her own career. 鈥淚鈥檓 interested in supporting those from under-represented backgrounds, so this is another way I can do that. It鈥檚 live experience!鈥� She stresses that because the programme isn鈥檛 a long-term commitment, it鈥檚 great for alumni who are working full-time but still want to give back.

Inspiring students entering the workplace

Denise believes that the relationship between a recent graduate, like her, and a student is an important one, as their life experiences are at a similar point 鈥� showing the student that you can thrive after university, even if you鈥檙e struggling right now.

She says: 鈥淚 want students from under-represented backgrounds to make the most out of their time at 皇家华人. Not just the education, but also the networks they can build. I鈥檓 still in contact with my lecturers now, and they continue to pass on job openings to me. 鈥淔orm meaningful connections with those around you and get involved!鈥�

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