Meet a Mentor – not just about Java
In the next of our series of Spotlight blogs, I caught up with Iacopo Catalano, a Physics student from Italy, and a current Mentee on the Meet a Mentor programme.
Physics I hear you ask? I thought the programme was to support Java Developers? Well, if you’ve our previous articles http://meetamentor.co.uk/mentee-to-mentor-building-a-new-it-career-with-recworks-meet-a-mentor-programme you’ll know that the Meet a Mentor programme is designed to help everyone; and here’s a great example. Iacopo became involved in the programme when he was considering a career change from Physics to Data Science.
‘I was doing some research about career possibilities after my Bachelor’s degree, and I discovered Data science. I’d already taken a Programming class at my University and I decided to go ahead and study Python.’
Despite having a primary interest in Python rather than Java, Iacopo was linked up with 3 Mentors, who were all eager to help, and to give him invaluable advice about where to go next on his career journey.
‘My “main mentor” focused on helping me to learn Python… Another mentor gave me some career advice, around how to prepare for an interview, and how to go about switching fields from Physics to Computer Science. The third mentor gave me suggestions on other things I can start getting familiar with, if I want to start working as a Software Engineer. They are all really helpful and it was great to get some insights from people that are much more experienced than me.’
Feeling that he’s already gained so much from the programme, Iacopo is really keen for more people to get involved.
‘I only hope they’ll keep getting more Mentees because what they do is amazing.’
We’d love you to get involved with the programme. Here are a few things we’d like you to know about it:
– It’s free
– It really is for everyone. From aspiring Java/JVM software developers to CTO’s
– We’ll match you with a Mentor, or Mentors, based on what you need; and if we don’t have someone already signed up who is a great match, we’ll reach out across our network
– It’s really easy to get involved. You can sign up here: http://meetamentor.co.uk
