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HOW TO BUILD A MENTORSHIP PROGAM FOR SUCCESS
Mentorship programs are helpful for building team connections and mutual knowledge sharing. They should be symbiotic – each person gaining something from the other – helping mentees gain confidence and insights to fuel their development, while mentors gain fresh perspectives and new ideas.
At Code First Girls, mentorship helps students build the confidence to succeed in their first tech roles and enables mentors to connect with their team’s future talent. Through insights into company culture, role expectations, and day-to-day work life, mentors help build the skills and self-assurance their mentees need for smooth onboarding and long-term success.
Plus, an effective mentorship program can create a helpful feedback loop, inspire reflection, and creativity, and encourage new ways of thinking and problem-solving across the whole organisation.
💡 “Employees who participate in mentorship programs have a 50% higher retention rate than those who don’t.”
Ready to create a stand-out mentorship program? Here’s our top tips for success:
SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK INS
Consistency is key! Setting up regular check-ins every two to three weeks creates a steady rhythm for mentees and mentors to connect. These sessions should be flexible, focusing on what’s most relevant—whether that’s support with a technical query or general questions about career development.
Check-ins should feel open and supportive, not stressful. Both parties should feel comfortable discussing expectations and adapting as needed.
CFG mentorship insight: Students may be up against tough CFG project deadlines or balancing a significant workload, especially if they are career switchers and continuing to work full-time during their training. Work together to find some free time on either side of the session to prepare and reflect.
PREPARE DISCUSSION POINTS
To make the most of each check-in, plan topics in advance to keep sessions both engaging and productive. Discussion points for the sessions should be aligned to the mentees’ goals so that the program remains focused on their personal and professional growth, including subjects like what the path to promotion looks like or a review of any newly gained skills. It’s important for the mentee to bring discussion points to these sessions so that they are getting support where they most need it, so encourage them to think about their goals at the beginning of your program.
Both mentee and mentor can bring more to the sessions when they are prepared which helps the relationship to develop and program go from strength to strength.
CFG mentorship insight: This could be the students first experience with mentorship, and they may need some guidance around expectations and parameters as well as encouragement to consider their long term tech career goals.
ESTABLISH A WEEKLY FRAMEWORK
As well as preparing discussion points, structuring mentorship programs around a simple weekly framework can help maximise their impact for both mentors and mentees. For example, session 1 might focus on setting goals and understanding the mentee’s aspirations, session 2 on tackling a specific technical or career-related challenge, session 3 on reflecting on progress and giving constructive feedback, and session 4 on celebrating wins and planning next steps.
This structure ensures a balanced approach, combining support, skill-building, and motivation. Having a framework helps mentees stay focused and feel more confident about their progress while giving mentors a clear path to guide conversations and share their expertise. When mentorship programs are thoughtfully organized, they cultivate an enriching environment that boosts individual growth and strengthens team connections across the organisation.
CFG mentorship insight: CFGdegree students will be moving through structured education before starting their new tech role, and so the weekly framework can be aligned to their studies and job start date to ensure their learning is supported and they are set up for success in their new role.
BE AVAILABLE FOR AD-HOC QUESTIONS
Between scheduled sessions, stay accessible for quick questions. Agree on a communication channel that works for both parties, like email or LinkedIn, so mentees can easily reach out for support when needed.
This is also a great way for mentors to share thought leadership that aligns with the mentees’ interests or provide some further reading following a scheduled session. Keeping the communication ongoing outside of the scheduled meet-ups can help to keep both parties engaged in the program.
CFG mentorship insight: Students may want to highlight technical areas that they would like more support or advice on, and being able to share these queries quickly and informally means the mentor can come to the next session prepared to help.
CELEBRATE THE WINS
Every achievement, big or small, deserves to be celebrated. Has your mentee completed some training or had positive feedback from a colleague? Celebrate together! These moments affirm the mentee’s progress and show them how far they’ve come.
Celebrations don’t have to wait until the end of the mentorship program, either. Regularly reflecting on achievements boosts mentee morale and is an opportunity for mentors to offer valuable feedback.
CFG mentorship insight: Students will have assessments as they progress through their education which are the perfect milestones to celebrate together. Reflecting on these moments enhances the mentorship journey, reinforcing shared achievements.
GROWING TOGETHER FOR SUCCESS
Mentorship programs are transformative for both individuals and organisations. By fostering meaningful connections, sharing knowledge, and providing support, they create an environment where mentees feel empowered to thrive, and mentors gain new insights and inspiration. At Code First Girls, we’ve seen firsthand how mentorship can help students transition confidently into tech roles while allowing mentors to contribute to their team’s growth and future success.
By scheduling regular check-ins, preparing discussion points, and establishing frameworks, mentorship becomes a tool for lasting development and impact. These programs strengthen skills, build confidence, and nurture collaboration, creating a ripple effect of innovation and positivity throughout the organisation.
Ready to elevate your mentorship program? With thoughtful planning and commitment, you can unlock incredible potential and set your team up for long-term success.
GET IN TOUCH WITH CODE FIRST GIRLS
Get in touch with Code First Girls to learn more about how we can help you build a diverse talent pipeline, and upskill your employees, to create a future-ready workforce.
