Tackling racial equity in awarding and employability gaps in HE

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University facilitated and evaluated a career mentoring scheme for racially minoritised students, to address the awarding and employability gap faced by this cohort

The study, funded by the Jisc careers research grant, considered how a tailored approach to mentoring could successfully meet the unique needs of these students, help them to navigate career choices, and provide support in overcoming racialised challenges.

Key findings

• Participants' reflections showed the significant impact mentoring had on their student experience, academic performance, and employability.
• Relationships developed through the scheme contributed to students' personal and professional development, establishing levels of confidence to take on opportunities that they might not have taken before having a mentor.
• Some students felt that having a mentor helped them gain an 'insider perspective' and insight into a chosen job sector, while others valued their mentors' practical advice, such as with applications and CVs.
• A key theme that emerged was the positive impact on students' confidence and the importance of reassurance from a mentor.
• Participants commented that having a mentor from the same racial and cultural (and in some cases gender) background provided a mutual understanding and relatability that was particularly beneficial.
• Mentors said that the experience enhanced their professional development, expanded their social networks and deepened their understanding of the needs and experiences of these students.
• It also raised their awareness of some of the challenges impacting racially minoritised students' progression and employability.
• The internal university evaluation framework found that students who took part were statistically associated with an increase in their Career Thinking, which in turn indicates that they are more likely to go on to a positive outcome post-graduation.

About the report

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mentoring on student experience, academic motivation and employability. As part of the project, the team developed a mentoring toolkit - included in the full report - that can be used by other institutions when developing their own mentoring schemes.

Student interviews and questionnaires with both mentees and mentors were used to gather evidence. Researchers recruited 30 racially minoritised students across all faculties, and activities included a questionnaire on sign-up as well as reviews after six-months.

This research was funded by the Jisc careers research grant. If you're a careers professional planning to undertake research, you may be eligible for funding of up to £5,000.