Empowering the future through mentoring at PDMS
National Mentoring Day 2024
At PDMS, we know that mentoring is more than just sharing knowledge—it's about building connections, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for both the mentor and the mentee. Ever since our inception in 1993, we’ve prioritised supporting the next generation, whether through volunteering, mentoring or offering work placements. Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students, helping them explore careers in tech and grow in confidence.
As part of our commitment to social value and sustainable development, we’ve pledged to provide opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience and support their future employment. This National Mentoring Day, we’re reflecting on the positive impact that mentoring has had within our company and why it's a valuable experience for everyone involved.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a relationship in which an experienced individual (the mentor) shares their knowledge, skills, and insights with someone looking to grow in their career or personal development (the mentee). It’s not just about technical guidance, but also emotional support and new ways of thinking, helping to broaden horizons and build confidence for the future.
At PDMS, we support mentoring through a variety of programmes, from our work experience placements and apprenticeships to supporting local teenagers through MCR Pathways, volunteering at events like STEMFest, and mentoring young people through Digital Critical Friends, Junior Achievement, Love Tech and more.
The benefits of mentoring for the mentee
For the mentee, having a mentor provides invaluable support, especially when navigating new roles or sectors. It’s an opportunity to gain insight from someone who’s already been on a similar journey, allowing them to develop not just their skills but improved confidence to tackle their own challenges.
Our work experience students at PDMS have shared the lasting impact that mentoring has had on them. Dagan Harris, who worked with a variety of teams, explains:
"I learned so much during my week at PDMS and cannot thank the team enough for being so welcoming and accommodating. It was valuable to my future career in ways I am sure I do not fully understand yet."
Finn Middleton, who joined our Design team, reflected on his experience:
"Throughout my time at PDMS, I was constantly supported and guided by the whole Design team, especially Jim and Georgia who I cannot thank enough. With their help and PDMS’ hospitality, as well as the kindness and authenticity of the rest of the team, I have also learned what it is like to work in a healthy and successful work environment.”
Rosie Parsons, who was mentored by our Marketing team, highlighted how mentoring helped shape her future:
"The work experience placement helped me realise I want to go to university and pursue a career in marketing. Not only will it help with my personal statement, but I can take the experience I’ve gained here to university and future work life."
These work experience placements demonstrate how mentoring can open doors, support career aspirations and offer mentees the opportunity to explore careers in tech and other fields.
The benefits of mentoring for the mentor
At first glance, mentoring may seem like it’s primarily for the mentee’s benefit, but mentors gain just as much from the experience. It provides the chance to reflect on their career journeys, enhance leadership skills, and find new perspectives on familiar challenges. Many of our team members who have mentored have also found it rewarding on a personal level.
Our Analysis and Test Manager, Freya Livsey-Corlett, shares her thoughts on mentoring:
"I have been fortunate enough to Mentor with Junior Achievement Isle of Man on their Company of the Year Programme over three years, which has been incredibly fulfilling. It has been a privilege to collaborate with these young people, observe their ideas flourish, and support their entrepreneurial journeys. Their growth has inspired me to reflect on my own development and encouraged me to think outside the box when facing challenges in my own day-to-day workload.
It has been important to me to encourage these young minds to ask questions and challenge each other to make better decisions, just as I have been fortunate enough to have mentors who pushed me to step outside my comfort zone to grow as both an employee and a leader."
Another colleague mentoring with Junior Achievement is Henry Lord, who shared:
"Mentoring students is eye-opening and great for self-reflection. I learnt a lot of lessons that are transferrable to the workplace, especially around supporting people to be their best, rather than doing things for them. I’ve been mentored a lot in my professional career and the side conversations and advice have been invaluable. I’d not be in the same position without a listening ear and different perspectives.”
UX Designer, Georgia Vernon, added:
“I enjoy mentoring Junior Achievement Company Programme students because it’s a chance to share real-world insights, inspire their growth, and help them build the confidence they need to succeed in the future.”
For some, mentoring is a way of giving back, having benefitted from their mentor's guidance earlier in their careers. One such person is our Head of UX & Design Jim Rawson, who shared:
“In the early part of my career, I was lucky to have a few ‘bosses’ who were naturally good at mentoring and I learned a lot from those people. As I’ve progressed through my career, I’ve really enjoyed being able to listen to people younger than myself. I don’t always know if what I’ve said is useful, but I’ve just tried to listen and reflect on similar things or situations that have and haven’t worked for me in the past and share that. In a good mentor-mentee relationship, both parties must have good communication and shared values, and that usually can’t be force-grown. It helps to ‘matchmake’ mentees with the right mentor.”
Senior Business Analyst, Alexandra Koyfman, emphasised the importance of mentoring for encouraging young women in the tech industry:
“I’ve had amazing mentors during my career in STEM. Now, as a mentor myself, I want to encourage the next generation to consider a career in STEM and support them on their journey, especially young women.”
The impact of mentoring at PDMS
Mentoring is ingrained in our company culture here at PDMS. We believe in creating an environment where learning and development are encouraged at every stage, and mentoring is a key part of that. Whether it’s through formal programmes or informal one-to-one guidance, our team is committed to helping the next generation of professionals.
Diane Stickland, who has mentored for several years through MCR Pathways, describes it perfectly:
"Having the opportunity to mentor a teenage girl during challenging teenage years has been amazing. We’ve built a solid relationship, and she now feels comfortable discussing many issues with me. PDMS has been tremendously supportive of this charity, which in turn has enabled me to provide support and guidance in areas relating to my mentee’s school choices and career aspirations. If she takes on board even just one piece of valuable advice from me, I know I’ve done my job well.”
Project Manager, Fiona Anderson, noted:
“I feel by being involved in the Digital Critical Friends program I can provide an insight into working in the digital sector and the wide range of roles that are available. Hopefully I can inspire school pupils to consider a path within the digital sector that is aligned to their strengths.”
Our commitment to mentoring doesn't stop with students. Nick Collins, Front-End Developer and Team Lead, shared his own experience of being mentored by Junior Achievement (JA) and how it shaped his career:
“JA has been a pivotal force in shaping my journey, helping me transition from an uncertain student to a confident professional. Through the Company Programme, I discovered purpose and gained invaluable skills that continue to guide me today. It taught me to embrace unexpected opportunities and instilled in me the importance of giving back. My growth, both personally and professionally, is deeply tied to the experiences and networks JA provided, and I will forever be grateful for the path it helped me carve.”
Why we encourage mentoring
Mentoring has a ripple effect across the business, boosting engagement, building a strong sense of community, and ensuring that knowledge and skills are passed down effectively. Everyone has life experiences that can help others to develop and improve, particularly the younger generation. So why not become a mentor and impart that wisdom?
As Senior Marketing Executive, Hannah Williams, summarised:
“Mentoring with Junior Achievement has been a rewarding experience. It’s given me the chance to share my own career journey and help young people develop skills that will serve them in the future. It’s fulfilling to know I’m helping someone grow in confidence, but I also find I’m learning just as much in return, and it’s been a reminder that even small guidance can make a big impact.”
Whether you’re considering becoming a mentor, seeking one out, or just curious about the process, there’s no better time to get involved than on National Mentoring Day today. At PDMS, we’ll continue to support and nurture the next generation of professionals – because everyone has something valuable to share.
Find out more about our work in local communities on our Social Responsibility page or check out our 2024 Social Value Report.
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