For Students
Why should I enroll myself in this mentorship? How does it help me?
Attending Unherd’s mentorship classes gives you the confidence, knowledge and skills required for a career before you actively choose to pursue it. In addition, the networking, valuable resources and direct access to industry mentors give you a cutting edge over others. Our classes focus on teamwork, problem-solving and project-based experience - qualities that most industries look for. Not a bad bonus! We hope you’ll choose to spend your time learning with us. Know more about the programs we are presently offering here: www.unherd.in/start-learning
How much does a mentorship program cost?
Our online mentorship classes cost anywhere from Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 5000/- per student and could go upto Rs. 10,000/- per student for classes at industry locations. We have classes where the fee is completely waived off as well - look out for them here.
Do you offer scholarships?
100% scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need, aptitude, and genuine interest in the program. The decision lies solely with the selection committee. For more details please write to us: contact@unherd.in.
What is the eligibility? Can college students apply?
Our mentorship classes are for students who are 13 to 18 years of age. Students selected are kind, curious and looking to make a positive impact on the world. Very few classes are offered for college students (above 18 years) and if any, they can be found here
I have no experience about the profession, can I still apply?
YES! Our programs are designed for students who have no prior experience about a career and are confused about making a professional decision.
Is a mentorship class considered an internship?
NO. The mentorship program is an experiential learning education program. It cannot be classified as an internship as the experience is more hands-on learning and exploratory-centered. Students take part in activities, assignments, case studies, network with like-minded students and attend other interactive engagements.
What is the attendance policy?
All participating students need to have minimum 80% attendance. Given the duration, it is optimal that the student attends every class. This ensures that the student stays on track and is actively engaged in the program. We understand that emergencies happen and students may need to be excused from class. We ask students to communicate any anticipated absence with their co-ordinator and make arrangements to make up any missed work.
Is the mentorship certified?
Yes! Students receive a completion certificate from the mentor/industry and Unherd. This is provided only if the student submits assignments/project(s), participates in class discussions, and has minimum 80% attendance. Sole discretion of providing a certificate to a student lies with Unherd and the respective mentor.
Do the mentors provide recommendation letters?
Yes, Unherd’s mentors could provide a recommendation letter as a part of your participation in the mentorship program. Students must reach out directly to their respective mentor to request a recommendation letter. Offering a recommendation is based solely on a mentor’s discretion. We advise you to establish a professional networking relationship at your mentorship classes for improving your career trajectory.
Is there a dress code for the mentorship classes?
Each class is held within a corporate or a professional setting, and we expect students to use their best judgement concerning appropriate attire. School uniforms are encouraged too. We do not expect students or parents/guardians to purchase a new outfit/uniform solely for the purpose of a mentorship class.
Students usually wear:
- A shirt or a top with light colors
- Full pants/jeans or equivalent
- For boys: close-toed shoes
- For girls: kurtis, leggings or a dress of modest length
Students are not expected to wear:
- Sandals or flip flops
- Clothes depicting violent language or images
- Clothes depicting language or images of drugs, alcohol or other illegal items/activities
- Clothes depicting hate speech or profanity
- Clothes depicting images or language that attacks society or a marginalized group
- Clothing that reveals undergarments
- Accessories that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon
What’s a typical class like in these mentorship programs?
No two mentorship programs are the same. Every mentoring experience is unique as the profession, and mentors and discussions differ. However, case studies, industry relevant projects and group activities are part of all classes.
How are students selected?
Unherd considers a wide array of factors for acceptance to the mentorship classes, including your application form, a phone interview round, and your interest to explore the profession. We are looking for students who will make the most of this experience, will be able to commit diligently to the intensive program and use their learning to make a difference in the world. Students selected are the ones who are kind, curious and excited to live up to Unherd’s values of Purpose, Potential and Equality.
Some of our mentorship classes receive more applications than we can accept for our limited seats, and it varies by profession, mentor. If you are placed on the waitlist, please know that we do accept students from the waitlist too.
I am on a waitlist, what does that mean?
We wish we could offer every student a position in our class, but we like to keep our classroom sizes small. If a shortlisted student drops out, we begin to place the waitlisted students into the program. Every student has 48 hours to accept or decline the offer. We continue to place waitlisted students up until the program starts. If you have applied for our mentorship classes and you are not accepted, please consider applying for the next cohort.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the mentorships?
Yes, there is a cancellation policy, and students can withdraw from the mentorship even if they are selected. All selected students get 48 hours to confirm their participation. If you have accepted the offer to attend the mentorship and have successfully completed the fee process, but for whatsoever reason cannot attend the classes, you will need to inform us before the classes begin. The fee will only be refunded if we are informed 24 hours before classes commence. No refund will be given if the student attends one or two classes and then decides to unenroll.
Can I speak to someone at Unherd?
You can reach out to us at: contact@unherd.in and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Our timings are Tuesdays to Saturdays: 9 AM to 6 PM IST.
For Mentors
What is the criteria to become a mentor with Unherd?
There is no strict set of criteria, however most of our mentors:
- Have a minimum undergraduate degree qualification (Bachelor’s equivalent) completed from an accredited college or university.
- Are either an Indian citizen or a foreign national of Indian origin. Foreign citizens who are not of Indian origin are not eligible to apply.
- Have minimum 3 to 5 years work experience in their profession and have extensive knowledge about their field.
- Are fluent in the English language, as mentors will be expected to teach and attend sessions conducted in English.
- Are committed to the initiative and genuinely believe in Unherd’s work of educating high-schoolers on making informed career choices.
- Are in the average age group of 25 to 35 years, however, there is no age limit to apply or become a mentor on Unherd.
Unherd’s mentors come from all backgrounds -- what connects them are common mindsets, skills and belief that all students have the potential to be successful. Our experience shows that successful mentors usually possess the following characteristics:
- Believe in the potential of all students.
- Have a strong commitment to teaching.
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills.
Who is Unherd looking for?
For our mentors, we are looking for experienced professionals looking to educate high schoolers who are career confused. Aside from commitment and passion to the initiative, we look for mentors who possess skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and have excellent interpersonal skills -- especially with teenagers.
We look for diversity in our mentors. Our mentors come from diverse professional backgrounds representing life experiences and expertise that can be shared with high-schoolers. Our mentors include working professionals, researchers, scientists, creative thinkers and retired practitioners.
How does my mentorship help students?
For young students, preparing for college and career can be an overwhelming, confusing and stressful process. Having a mentor who guides them is beneficial to both students and their families. Your mentoring time plays an important role in making high schoolers college and career-ready as they need guidance while taking critical professional decisions.
I have never mentored anyone before, I am not sure if I can manage it.
We understand that committing to a mentorship comes with a huge responsibility and may feel overwhelming. You may also be worried that you are not used to dealing with teenagers and that is perfectly normal. Be honest about why you want to mentor. If you are not sure, try teaching a student to see if you enjoy working in the education field.
I have a full-time job, can I still mentor?
Yes, you can! Most of our mentors are full-time working professionals and we welcome that. You only need to spend 2-3 hours a week on your mentorship class for 1-1.5 months maximum. The timings and duration of your classes can be set to suit your schedule.
Is there mentorship online?
We have both online and in-person sessions. However, due to the present pandemic situation, all classes are conducted online on Zoom Video conference. So, you could be based anywhere across the globe and conduct your sessions with our students.
Which grade students will I be mentoring and what is the background of the students?
Mentors teach 13 to 17 year olds who are placed in 9th to 12th grade. Your class demographic would be diverse with students coming from eminent private schools to those studying in low-income government school. Unherd will share the student list and applications of the confirmed participants with the mentor 48 hours before classes begin.The medium of course instruction will be English.
I have never set a program curriculum, will Unherd help me?
We are always just a phone call or a message away for our mentors. Rest assured; we are with you every step of the way. We will extend all support to ensure your classes are impactful — right from your curriculum to shaping quality learning outcomes.
What if I need to take a break from the program suddenly?
Sometimes there are unavoidable situations — perhaps a family emergency or sickness — and you might need to take a break. If that is the situation, you can inform your program coordinator at Unherd and discuss rescheduling possibilities. It is however best to stay committed to your classes and not withdraw altogether. You could do far more harm to students if you suddenly abandon the program.
How much will I be paid?
Our mentors receive lucrative compensation that justifies their time and effort. Our mentors are industry professionals who have a full-time job and they do not persay join Unherd for financial compensation.
How will the mentorship help me grow professionally?
Our 280+ mentors say that guiding young students helps them build a positive attitude, makes them hopeful about the future and enhances their productivity at their workspace. Spending time with high schoolers helps mentors to develop their leadership skills such as people management, communication and problem solving.
What does the mentorship entail?
The mentorship is about a 1 to 1.5 month, part-time, paid commitment to teach high schoolers in India about your profession. Furthermore, Unherd is looking for mentors who are willing to be committed and serious about teaching diverse groups of students. It's a small but important step towards a vision of helping every Indian student make informed career choices based on their potential, interest and skill set.
If I can’t teach now due to other commitments, can I still apply?
Unherd will accept applications throughout the year. If you are unable to consider the mentorship at this time, we welcome you to consider applying when you can spare at least 2-3 hours per week for a period of upto 1.5 months.
Can I speak to someone at Unherd?
You can reach out to us at: contact@unherd.in and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Our timings are Tuesdays to Saturdays: 9 AM to 6 PM IST.
For Corporates
How can I become an official corporate partner?
Corporate and industry partnerships are vital to our mission of helping high schoolers in India make informed career decisions, and we are grateful to the various partners who have chosen to work with us. Each potential partner/company may submit an inquiry request to contact@unherd.in Do use the Subject Line: Corporate Partnership Query
How can my company be involved in helping high schoolers?
Your company and Unherd can co-create and exclusive mentorship program to invest in, and skill up, your future workforce. Together, we can design a program that fits your company's mission. If you are interested to get your company brand involved, please write to us at contact@unherd.in
My company doesn’t have a partnership with Unherd, how can I as an individual participate?
How can I sponsor or donate on Unherd?
Every high schooler, irrespective of their socio-economic background, needs career guidance. To sponsor lesser priviledged students to attend our mentorship classes, visit our donation page on Milaap or set up a fundraiser to start a scholarship fund - https://milaap.org/fundraisers/.
Unherd is a social enterprise and is registered as a Trust. We do not have 80G tax exemption on donations. Donations will be used to provide mentorship classes to students from low-income schools. The details of the students will be shared with donors.
Will Unherd mention my company on social media?
Yes, we do mention our mentoring partners on social media. However, we do not encourage this as a reason to join us and strictly do not accommodate individual requests for promotion. Unherd holds complete discretion when choosing to promote individuals, or companies through any of our social media platforms.
For Schools
How does my school get involved?
We have over 68+ schools who have participated in our program and we would be happy to offer our career mentoring classes to your students. All potential school partners need to send an inquiry request to our team on contact@unherd.in with the Subject Line: School Partner Inquiry.
Do you visit schools to provide career training and mentorship?
No. We do not visit schools to give mentorship classes. We believe students need to be in the industry to truly explore their career. All selected students from your school will be expected to visit our training classrooms or industry partner centers. Venue details and location is provided to the school, and shortlisted students, at least one week prior to the mentorship starting.
For Parents
How safe is my child in your classes?
The safety and security of students is key to all that we do. While Unherd takes utmost care about students safety within the classrooms, parents/guardians accept and understand that the mentorship may expose students to risk, injury or damage that may be suffered during the participation.
Are parents encouraged to attend the mentorship with their children?
What is the qualification of the teaching mentors?
Do you provide transport facilities to the venue?
We do not provide transport facilities to students for classes conducted at our training facilities or at industry locations. Students are expected to make their own arrangements.
What should my child carry for your classes?
All selected students are well informed about the requirements prior the mentorship classes beginning. Common recommendations include basic stationery, book, water bottle and a small snack box.
Do you provide refreshments?
We expect the students to carry their own refreshment box and water bottle. If the mentorship class is more than 90 minutes, students are given a 5 to 10 minute short break.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
You can reach out to us on contact@unherd.in and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Our work timings are from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM IST.