Career direction
We align a student’s aspirations with a mentor’s sector experience.
The Zaliha mentorship scheme
A mentor who understands the context, not just the career.
A six-month pilot connecting ambitious South Asian undergraduates with professionals across consulting, policy, finance, law, technology and beyond.
How it works1 houreach month
6 monthsof support
1:1thoughtful matching
Who it’s for
Designed for students who are ready to grow.
Aged 18–22 and studying an undergraduate degree in the UK
From a South Asian heritage background
A first-generation university student
From a working-class background
“We aim to match mentees with mentors who can truly understand their context.”
Thoughtful matching
The right fit matters.
Comfort & trust
Pairs are matched by gender to create a comfortable environment.
Shared experience
Where possible, we consider ethnicity and relevant lived experience.
The six-month journey
Structured enough to guide. Flexible enough to be personal.
01
Month 0
Welcome & onboarding
Mentors join an online session with clear guidance, resources and safeguarding expectations.
02
Month 1
Meet & set direction
Pairs introduce themselves, share their backgrounds and agree goals, communication and boundaries.
03
Months 2–4
Build momentum
Monthly conversations focus on the mentee’s priorities, from applications and interviews to confidence.
04
Month 6
Reflect & look ahead
Both sides review progress, celebrate growth and decide whether to stay in touch informally.
Become a mentor
Your experience could be someone else’s shortcut.
We’re looking for volunteer mentors who can offer one hour a month, honest guidance and an empathetic perspective on navigating professional life.
- Contribute directly to social mobility
- Meet professionals across different sectors
- Choose online or in-person meetings
Safe, respectful support
Clear boundaries protect everyone.
Communication stays appropriate and professional. Mentees arrange sessions, both sides protect confidentiality, and conversations follow Chatham House rules.
Mentors are not expected to offer financial advice, guarantee jobs or provide referrals.
Take the next step
Interested in joining the scheme?
Tell us whether you’d like to be a mentee, mentor or partner and we’ll be in touch.