JCI Southampton is actively supporting students and graduates from Southampton Solent University.

Our Deputy President Victoria Odey has been awarded the Mentor of the year for her support and commitment towards the programme.

The annual Southampton Solent University Mentoring Celebration was an inspiring afternoon for students and graduates. Hosted by the employability and enterprise team, the event thanked and recognised the contribution of businesses, students and recent graduates to the success of this year’s programme.

Individuals and organisations become 'professional friends' to Solent students

Every year a range of individuals and organisations give their time regularly and freely to become a 'professional friend' to their mentee.

This year 85 mentors and 102 mentees participated in the programme, which includes a formal training element. Over the course of six months mentors provided student mentees with work-related personal advice, practical employability skills and industry-specific information.

In addition to the more traditional one-to-one support, some participating organisations such as E3 Consulting, Carnival UK, Old Mutual Wealth, Ordnance Survey, and Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity took a group-mentoring approach, and provided workshops to support employability needs.

Mentor of the year: Victoria Odey, Hampshire Chambers of Commerce

Victoria's mentee said: "Victoria was flexible, making sure we continued to communicate even at the busiest times. She helped me explore different options and opportunities, gave me endless support and advice. Best of all she helped me develop industry contacts and enabled me to secure a social media marketing role."

Mentee of the year: Emily Alcock

Emily’s mentor was from Hampshire Constabulary and said:" “Emily was always willing to address the key issues. She wasn’t intimidated by people or processes and used her previous work experience and focussed on the outcome ahead. She gained a great place on the JP Morgan Graduate Scheme that will see her flying around the world over the next two years."

Outstanding Contribution 2015: Carnival UK

Received by Bob Dixon, General Manager – EMEA Sales, and Frank Somers, Solutions Architect.

Outstanding Contribution: E3 consulting

Received by Zoe Toseland, Marketing Administrator & Ian Barwick, Research Administrator.