Have you ever noticed how some professionals seem to navigate their careers effortlessly, while others struggle to progress? One key factor that sets successful individuals apart is mentorship. A strong mentor can provide guidance, expand networks, and help individuals develop new perspectives. 

There’s a lot of research supporting the transformative power of mentorship. According to The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring by Dr. Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata, mentors help individuals refine skills, gain valuable insights, and access influential networks.  

A study by the National Institute of Teaching also emphasises the effectiveness of structured mentorship programmes. Key findings include: 

• 87% of mentees report at least one benefit from mentorship
• Employees with mentors report higher job satisfaction (+10%) and stronger workplace relationships (+14%)
• Professionals with mentors are five times more likely to be promoted 

Beyond personal development, organisations that invest in mentoring see improved employee engagement, retention rates, and a culture of continuous learning. With two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies offering mentorship programmes, the impact of structured guidance is undeniable. 

Avado’s Career Mentor Programme: A Game-Changer for CIPD Learners

Recognising the immense value of mentorship, Avado has integrated a career mentor programme into its CIPD HR courses, offering learners a unique opportunity to gain real-world career support alongside their studies. 

How Does the Avado Career Mentor Programme Work? 

Anyone enrolled in an Avado CIPD course gains lifetime access to Avado Connect, our exclusive community platform available both during and after your studies. Avado Connect offers job boards, exclusive masterclasses, valuable resources, and discussion forums. It’s also on Avado Connect where you can get matched with a dedicated Career Mentor for personalised guidance and support. 

There are over 1,200 experienced HR professionals on Avado Connect who provide career advice, industry insights, and networking opportunities. Here’s what learners can expect: 

• Personalised Guidance – Mentors help mentees set career goals, develop skills, and navigate professional challenges. 
• Flexible Mentorship Options – Learners can choose between structured sessions for long-term career planning or informal networking coffee chats. 
• Diverse Mentor Pool – Mentees can search for mentors by industry, company, or region to find the best fit. 
• Practical Career Support – From job interview preparation to workplace strategy advice, the programme is tailored to individual needs. 

With the growing global reach of our CIPD courses, we offer a diverse network of mentors worldwide, with a large group based in the UK, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. 

Avado Connect offers two mentoring options: open mentoring and a structured mentoring programme. Open mentoring is self-led and flexible, allowing learners to connect with over 1,200 global mentors based on job function, industry, or expertise for career advice, CIPD guidance, or networking. It is casual, ongoing, and has no set structure. In contrast, the structured mentoring programme uses an algorithm to match mentees with the best-fit mentor, following a goal-oriented, quarterly format with milestones, discussion topics, and a defined start and end date. Both options remain free to members and online, giving learners personalised career support tailored to their needs. 

This mentorship initiative is included at no extra cost, making it a key differentiator in the CIPD training market. Avado’s research indicates that 35% of its CIPD graduates secure a promotion within 12 months, and mentorship is designed to enhance this career progression further. 

Why Mentorship Matters for HR Professionals 

HR professionals play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and fostering employee development. Having an experienced mentor can: 

• Provide guidance on HR best practices and industry trends 
• Help navigate career transitions, from HR Assistant to HR Business Partner or beyond 
• Offer insights into HR leadership and strategic decision-making 

How to Approach a Potential Mentor 

Finding a mentor is just the beginning; knowing how to approach one is equally important. Here are a few steps to consider: 

• Identify your goals – Understand what you hope to gain from mentorship before reaching out. 
• Research potential mentors – Look for professionals with experience in areas where you seek growth. 
• Make an authentic connection – Engage with them on LinkedIn, attend their webinars, or reference their work when reaching out. 
• Be clear and concise – When sending a request, state why you admire their work and how mentorship could benefit you. 
• Respect their time – Ensure your requests are reasonable and acknowledge their commitments. 

The Impact of Mentorship on Career Growth 

Statistics and studies continually reinforce the importance of mentorship in career development. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, professionals with mentors earn 20% more on average than those without. Additionally, 76% of employees consider mentorship crucial for career success. Having a mentor provides structured guidance, which leads to better decision-making, improved confidence, and faster career progression. 

Avado: Elevating CIPD Training with Unmatched Support 

Avado’s CIPD courses already stand out with award-winning online learning, interactive content, and expert tutor support. With the addition of mentor access via Avado Connect, learners (and graduates) now have a powerful support system to help them achieve career success.