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LLB (Hons) Law

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As a Peer Mentor, you not only play a substantial role in helping to create a strong community at your school, but you will see that making a positive impact on new students is incredibly fulfilling.

Being a Peer Mentor

There are two reasons as to why I decided to become a Peer Mentor for two consecutive years at Newcastle - I wanted to be my mentees’ informal point of contact, so that they would not feel lonely or lost in their first few months whilst transitioning to university life and I wanted to share my experiences lest they burn out like I nearly had done in my first year.

As a Peer Mentor, I organised many meetings with my mentees and spent those meetings meaningfully at their request such as doing interactive workshops, simplifying complex legal jargon, tackling hypothetical essay questions, sharing study techniques and legal research skills. By checking in on them pre and post assessments, I ensured that they felt supported and confident, all of which culminated in a high level of participation overall in the mentoring scheme. To this day, my mentees still get in touch with any queries they have. I am proud to say that one of my former mentees has recently secured a role in a law firm after having mock-interviewed her. This experience proves that, should you wish, once a mentor, always a mentor!

From their Peer Mentor, a mentee can expect someone that was once in their shoes and is happy to be reached out to for help, whether they are struggling academically or simply willing to learn more about their mentor’s university experience.

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

Amongst the transferable skills that I developed whilst fulfilling this role in addition to my other commitments, such as being a law school rep, participating in extra-curricular activities and having my own studies, are effective communication, relationship-building, leadership, organisation, time-management, problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, and flexibility.

For those who are considering becoming a Peer Mentor, you must know that not only will you play a substantial role in helping to create a strong community at your school, but you will see that making a positive impact on first year students is incredibly fulfilling, which in turn will enhance your employability skills.

I felt humbled being shortlisted for the ‘Peer Mentor of the Year’ award in my first year in the role as a result of my mentees’ positive feedback about me. Furthermore, I felt honoured to have become a runner up in ‘The Most Innovative Activity Award’ in my second year of the role. Many thanks to everyone involved in this scheme from the lead mentors to organisers. We could not do without you!