SGSSS runs a mentoring programme in partnership with the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). The programme is designed to help PhD students explore the skills, knowledge, and experience that will support their future careers within or outside academia. 

The Mentoring Programme connects PhD researchers to RSE Fellows or SGSSS PhD Alumni with a variety of professional experience in academia, the public, private, or non-profit sector.  

Mentoring Programme Objectives 2025-26

The programme is open to social science students in the later stages of their PhD only (approximately third year plus, or part-time equivalent), regardless of funding status.

The programme has three main aims:

Considering career options and “demystifying” career culture

• Mentors can help mentees explore what types of careers are available to them after completion of the PhD.
• A key benefit of mentorship is providing insight into the unspoken aspects of professional life, whether in academia or other sectors.
• Mentors can share personal experiences and practical tips about the ethos, culture, and norms of their sector, insights that are often not available in formal training or documents.

Supporting mentees with understanding how to network

• Mentors can share best practice in network building.
• Mentors can work with the mentee to develop a plan of contacts/networks to connect with.
• Where appropriate and available, mentors can offer access to their professional networks.

Recognising and Translating Transferable Skills

• Mentors are more removed from the mentee’s immediate academic context, so are well placed to offer holistic feedback on transferable skills.
• By sharing their own career trajectories, mentors can help students understand how their training can be applied across a wide range of industries, improving employability within and beyond academia.

Key Benefits