LSE AAB Mentorship Scheme: Virtual Kick-off Event (27/01/2021)

February 1, 2021

On January 27th, 2021, we hosted a virtual launch event for our Mentorship Scheme… and we are very pleased by how it went. Before anything else, we would like to extend a big thank you to our mentors and mentees who attended the session! We were glad to see a high level of engagement from both sides, and enthusiasm from our mentees as they heard about others’ experiences.

Following welcome words by Maria Sotiriou, our President, and Boris Ajeganov who is leading the work on this project, the mentors kicked off the event by sharing inspiring stories about their journeys and reflecting on some guiding principles that would have helped them in the beginning of their careers. Among powerful insights we heard, these are some take-aways:

• Yiannis Korkovelos – EU Government Affairs Manager @ Philip Morris International:

“Become an ‘expert of myself’, create the framework by which you understand yourself. Do not underestimate the power of soft skills: developing strong relationships, understanding people and building trust.”

• Ornella Cosomati – EU Public Policy, Government Affairs & Communications Manager @ PepsiCo:

“Sometimes you just need to be persistent to get the job you really want. Also, acknowledge that you are not an expert. Having a Master’s degree in European Politics from the LSE does not mean you know everything about European Politics – and that’s fine, you’ll keep learning along the way.”

• Nina Peacock – Head of Public Policy & Government Relations @ Kellogg Europe:

“Authenticity is key and it is what people look for when hiring. So being yourself, as cliché as it may sound, is fundamental. Also, remember to treat everyone nicely in Brussels because it is a rather small community and you never know – they could be your next boss or client!”

• Helene Banner – Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, founder of an online business for the empowerment of women, and former Speechwriter for European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker:

“Take some time to understand and define ‘what is your why’, ‘what is your story’, ‘what do you want to learn’. Be yourself, don’t pretend to be someone you are not. And people in Brussels will help!”

Afterwards, the participants were split into small groups where mentees had the opportunity to ask specific questions to each of the mentors. Conversation was flowing in the breakout rooms as mentees already received help to start their careers in these unusual times.

And now, after this event, individual mentoring sessions will continue until September for over 60 participants – mentors and mentees – who will continue to learn from each other, share their experiences and explore new professional perspectives.