Sanina Kaur, from SK Copy Co Ltd, has been working with BCU on the Professional Mentoring Programme, supporting students as a Mentor for the last five years.
The programme is designed to match industry professionals with students to help them navigate their next steps with their career.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your business?
“I’m the Director of SK Copy Co Ltd, a Midlands-based company that helps sector-wide businesses of all sizes raise their profile via content marketing, PR and awards.
I launched the business nine, almost ten, years ago after spending 18 years working for employers in journalism, corporate comms and PR and marketing agency roles.”
What led you to being involved with the mentoring programme?
“Back when I was in full-time employment, I was always keen to learn from my colleagues, especially the more senior ones because they’d already trodden the path I was embarking on.
I’d always thought it’d be really good to get support and guidance from an external peer; however, I didn’t have the first clue about how finding one, let alone somebody who would be suited to me and my profession and career goals. Unfortunately, this meant I never did receive mentorship, though, I still had an unwavering appreciation for the immense value it can bring.”
How has mentoring helped both you and your mentee?
“If I can help others, then I will. Mentoring enables me to do this, plus it means I get to help the next generation of PR professionals and content marketeers get into what has always been an extremely competitive profession.
My career started in journalism back when I was just 17-years-old – I got my first big break because I knew I had to be determined and demonstrate why I deserved to get into journalism. Saying I wanted to be a journalist simply wasn’t enough. I did this by spending my summer holidays working on local and regional news desks for free. It was this work experience that made me stand out from all the other candidates during my first interview and enabled me to get into journalism (without a degree) straight after leaving school with my A Levels. I was the youngest person my first employer had ever taken on too.”
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do know how the next generation can differentiate themselves from others. Also, I know from running a successful business, how to spot opportunities and forge relationships with the right people.”
I’m my mentees’ biggest champion and would like to think that having me cheering them on from the sidelines gives them that extra confidence boost they need sometimes.”
What advice would you have for others looking to participate in mentoring?
“Be clear with yourself on where you believe you can help others and how you can add value. Also, be committed to the process, i.e. show up when you need to show up and be prepared to steer the process, especially during those earlier sessions when you and your mentee are getting to know each other.”
How important do you think it is to have mentors who represent a wide range of backgrounds and professional experience?
“It’s extremely important. It's essential mentees feel comfortable with their mentors and able to open up and put their trust in them. Being paired with people who reflect their values, have relevant career experience and understand them and their world is central to this.”
What one word would you use to sum up your experience as a mentor?
Rewarding.