Become a Mentee
Become a Mentee
Applications for the 2026 Women in Journalism mentoring scheme are now closed.
The next scheme will open in November 2026 for the 2027 cohort. You can register your interest to be notified when applications open.
Applicants must be members of Women in Journalism, based in the UK, and have at least two years’ professional experience in journalism. Places are limited and awarded through a competitive process.
How the scheme works
Mentees are matched with an experienced journalist for one year. Each pairing meets four times, online or in person. At the start of the scheme, mentees set three clear goals and work with their mentor to develop a plan to achieve them. Matches are based on the information provided in the application, so applicants should be specific about their experience and objectives.
Junior and senior schemes
The scheme is divided into two strands.
The junior scheme is for journalists with two to five years’ experience who are working in the industry. We do not accept students.
The senior scheme is for journalists with five or more years’ experience who are seeking progression into senior roles, considering freelancing or portfolio careers, returning after a career break, or looking to diversify their work. Senior mentees are expected to act as mentors.
What previous mentees say…
“I found my mentor to be a great sounding board in terms of advice. She also introduced me to top-level contacts that I would never have had the opportunity to meet.”
Liz Perkins, Night News Editor, Daily Express
“The scheme has really helped me broaden my horizons and try different things in journalism that I didn’t have the confidence to do before. My mentor has been really supportive and strategic, always guiding me in the right direction and encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Um-E-Aymen Babar, Sky Sports News journalist
