"The Hackney Schools Mentoring Programme has been an eye-opener. It is easy to lose sight of "real" life when working in the pressurised environment of a large City firm. The mentoring scheme has introduced a healthy dose of reality back into my life and for one hour a week transports me away from the stress of corporate life. I think that the scheme is beneficial for everyone concerned.

I hope my students find that it is useful to meet and chat to people who have been through the process of making career choices or to build up their confidence by meeting new people or simply to come and see for themselves what the City is like. For my part, I have enjoyed the challenge of making the sessions relevant and interesting to three students with very different aspirations. It has been and continues to be a rewarding experience."

Amabel Harvey-Evers, Linklaters

"I have found mentoring to be a fulfilling experience, it’s a great break from the world of business to spend an hour with14 year olds and put work stresses and pressures into perspective. It also gives you a sense of self-satisfaction to develop and nurture relationships with them, and over time understand them and be able to offer advice on anything they can come up with."

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

"I have been a mentor for the last four years and it is one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done. It has been extremely rewarding to see the mentees progress over the year and on a personal level the mentoring programme has helped me learn more about myself."

UBS