A LexisNexis Risk Solutions Partnership Impact Report
Elevate Career Mentoring Program
Our Belonging Partnership
We were delighted to have the opportunity to partner with With Insight Education (WIE) for a second year to deliver their Elevate Career Mentoring program.
About With Insight Education (WIE).
Over the last five years, WIE has positively influenced thousands of young individuals by enhancing skills, broadening perspectives, and creating opportunities.
Through their mentoring and skill-building initiatives, they offer valuable experiences that enhance leadership skills and the perspectives of LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors while helping students achieve their full potential.
WIE is determined to address the inequalities that U.K. students face.
- In the U.K., at every stage of education and as careers are pursued, Black heritage individuals are disproportionately disadvantaged, reducing their chances of social mobility.
- A significant percentage of Black heritage students (48%) experience poverty during their upbringing, leading to negative impacts on their educational achievements in school.
In comparison to their White peers (83%), Black heritage student challenges continue in the higher education sector.
Black heritage students:
- Have the lowest acceptance rates to prestigious universities
- Experience the highest dropout rates (15.7%)
- Achieve poor degree outcomes
- Only 62.7% of full-time Black heritage undergraduates were awarded a 1st class degree
In England, young people from the Black major ethnic group are…less likely to obtain high grades, enter ‘prestigious’ universities, end up in a highly skilled job, study further, or have career satisfaction.
WIE's Mission
With Insight Education's social mission centers on improving educational and professional opportunities for Black heritage students to ensure that society accurately represents available talent.
Since 2018, WIE's well-organized mentoring initiatives have assisted more than 1,000 students in boosting their confidence, knowledge, and soft skills for a brighter future. This future envisions equitable access to prestigious universities, professional careers, and avenues for social mobility.
They are determined to remove the perceptual and structural barriers that U.K. Black heritage students face and believe that creating opportunities for purposeful interactions with top universities and leading organizations is fundamental to this.
The core of WIE's work is the delivery of innovative, tailor-made mentoring and skill development programs designed to ensure students have improved access to opportunities that provide a springboard for social mobility.
By collaborating with universities and companies, such as LexisNexis Risk Solutions, which values people and a sense of belonging, each organization is paired with a WIE Program Lead. The WIE lead collaborates closely with us to train and assist LexisNexis Risk Solutions employees in becoming impactful mentors and advisors.
THE WIE ELEVATE CAREER MENTORING PROGRAM
We were delighted to partner with With Insight Education (WIE) for the second consecutive year. In the second iteration, 20 LexisNexis Risk Solutions employees took part as mentors in their Elevate Career Mentoring program.
This year, the Elevate Career Mentoring program paired 20 LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors with 20 academically talented Black heritage sixth formers/12th graders, WIE mentees.
The seven-week online program aims to profoundly impact all participants by inspiring mentors to enhance their skill sets and empowering mentees for a brighter future.
The program began with an engaging in-person event where each mentor was introduced to their WIE mentee.
Following the introduction event, the mentor and mentee arranged six virtual sessions at times convenient for both parties.
THE WIE DATA
This data was written based on the evaluated responses from 15 LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors and 16 WIE mentees.
The Race or Ethnicities of WIE Mentees
- 75% of WIE mentees are 1st generation applicants to a university
- 31% of WIE mentees receive free meals at school
It definitely challenged some of my assumptions about how people might see themselves, or assume what paths are open to them.
I’ve developed confidence in talking to someone professionally 1-2-1.
OUR EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Our Mentors Were Matched to Their Mentees
Mentoring Was a Meaningful Experience
Having a different viewpoint from someone much younger is fascinating and beneficial. Being a mentor was a stretch goal for me. The experience has made me appreciate how much I've learned at LexisNexis Risk Solutions while also giving me a fresh perspective on familiar experiences.
WIE surveyed each mentor to evaluate our mentors' engagement and satisfaction with the Elevate Career Mentoring program.
- The results were unanimous, with 100% of mentors expressing satisfaction with their mentee match
- The mentors unanimously agreed that being a mentor had been a meaningful experience
- The mentors greatly appreciated the opportunity to share their knowledge with their mentees
It was very rewarding both emotionally and professionally. There was some additional time needed for reading and prep work, but what you gain in reflection and organizing your thoughts is ten-fold.
On multiple occasions, the mentors went above and beyond to support their mentees. For instance, Ramone, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentor, arranged work experience for his mentee, and Giuliana, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentor, organized five refurbished laptops from LexisNexis Risk Solutions to be donated to With Insight Education for their mentees.
OUR MENTOR FEEDBACK
With Insight Education aims to provide employees who serve as mentors with opportunities for personal and professional growth. It was gratifying to learn the majority of our LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors felt that this goal was achieved, and upon completing the program, they felt more self-assured in their mentoring abilities.
This has provided me with skills and a better understanding of how to mentor well and what it entails. I think it was really insightful to hear about what is concerning the younger generation.
The mentors, when requested to specify their areas of growth, mentioned enhancements in communication skills, emotional intelligence, reflective practices, listening abilities, and the ability to provide constructive feedback with confidence.
A good refresher on interviewing skills and giving feedback in a constructive way. Using Gen AI for CVs (new one for me!).
One LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentor was unsure if their involvement in the Elevate Career Mentoring program contributed to their growth because they had extensive mentoring experience in their career, but did mention that they found the experience enjoyable.
The Elevate Career Mentoring Program was Helpful for My Professional Development at LexisNexis Risk Solutions
I Feel More Confident in My Mentoring Skills
OUR MENTOR'S EXPERIENCE
Meet Ramone
Ramone, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentor, was matched with WIE mentee, Atran, an A-level student. Atran is interested in careers related to Economics and Management and Ramone's professional experience provided unique insights for Atran.
Mentoring definitely helped me gain more confidence in areas like public speaking and presentations. Having to explain concepts to my mentee and get my points across clearly was great practice for skills I need at work.
Ramone and Atran quickly developed a strong connection. Ramone found mentoring a younger individual a remarkable learning experience, gaining valuable skills and new insights during the program.
Having a different viewpoint is fascinating and beneficial. It's hard to recall being 17 years old when you're my age, so gaining that fresh understanding was immensely helpful.
Atran was equally enthusiastic about her mentor, Ramone, citing improvements in her interview skills; being conscious of her body language, maintaining eye contact, and giving job-relevant answers. Atran also appreciated Ramone's guidance on leveraging LinkedIn professionally.
I improved my ability to provide more constructive feedback and now use this approach at work.
Ramone eagerly looks forward to the results of their collaborative efforts as he witnesses Atran's growth into a more confident and skilled individual under his guidance.
It convinced me of the difference mentoring made. Atran truly absorbed the information and made decisions aligning with her goals.
Overall, Ramone found the Eleveate Career Mentoring program hugely rewarding and looks forward to the opportunity to witness his mentee's growth.
Helping someone to achieve their goals is a priceless and a really meaningful action.
WIE MENTEE FEEDBACK
How Would You Rate Your Interview Practice?
94% of the mentees rated their mentoring sessions as excellent or very good. Furthermore, 82% of the mentees rated the interview practice sessions as excellent or very good.
How Would You Rate the Mentoring Sessions?
Throughout the program, my confidence in what I want to do has grown as I got to deeply understand what type of career I want to continue. Through our sessions, my thoughts on the university have become more positive.
At the time of this report, sixteen WIE mentees completed the program, and three WIE mentees were excused from the program due to their lack of involvement, resulting in WIE inducting three new mentees reassigned to LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors. Unfortunately, one mentee and their mentor faced scheduling difficulties, leading to the termination of their partnership with WIE before completing the Elevate Career Mentoring program.
WIE MENTEE FEEDBACK (continued)
Skills & Knowledge Enhancements
Throughout their involvement in the Elevate Career Mentoring program, WIE mentees experienced notable enhancements. Numerous mentees expressed positive feedback regarding the increase in their confidence levels and the growth of their knowledge and soft skills.
It has made me learn to take my time and to speak in a more confident way without useless filler words. I have learned that I can say that I need time to think or that I can pause without feeling awkward. I now understand that during an interview I can also ask questions and that it is a two-way thing. It was very useful and I'm glad my mentor helped me through it.
I’ve developed confidence in talking to someone professionally 1-2-1
WIE mentees emphasized gaining a range of transferable skills on a broader level, such as working under pressure, active listening skills, time management, and engaging with Artificial Intelligence. The skills the mentees gain from their LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentor will be personally and professionally beneficial. These skills are vital as they advance toward their future aspirations.
The Program Improved My Communication Skills
How Would You Rate Your Interview Practice?
OUR COLLABORATION
LexisNexis Risk Solutions and We Insight Education (WIE) are dedicated to ensuring that all participants in the program have a rewarding experience.
We are delighted that every Elevate Career Mentoring program participant provided positive feedback when asked about their satisfaction with the program.
Remarkably, all the WIE mentees expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction with the program. This incredibly positive feedback highlights the significance and influence that LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors have on the personal and employability growth of the mentees.
Likewise, all LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors expressed high satisfaction (80%) or satisfaction (20%) with their mentoring experience.
I think the program is run well. My only suggestion is perhaps having a closing meeting in person, as it feels a bit of an abrupt ending to finish up virtually. I think it would also be good to receive a follow-up on how the student is doing based on their action items at the end of the program.
We suggested having an in-person wrap-up session or graduation as part of the program. We inquired about receiving additional mentee progress updates after completing the program and WIE agreed. Over the next 18 months, mentees will be contacted multiple times, and any accomplishments and significant milestones will be communicated to their mentors as part of WIE's continuous alumni updates.
OUR LASTING IMPRESSION
The mentees finished the program with a highly positive perspective on LexisNexis Risk Solutions, expressing gratitude for the enlightening insight into our wide array of career possibilities at LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions seems to be a really promising company where I believe I can see myself in a few years working in a technical role.
Many WIE mentees commented on how welcoming LexisNexis Risk Solutions is.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions seemed highly inclusive as people with many different paths were able to form a career there.
We also assessed how participating in the Elevate program impacted our mentors‘ views of our organization and themselves.
I'm More Engaged With LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Belonging Strategy
I'm a More Inclusive LexisNexis Risk Solutions Employee Because of the Program
94% of LexisNexis Risk Solutions mentors agreed that participation in the program positively influenced their feelings about our Belonging strategy.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions cares and supports people from different backgrounds and abilities to become better versions of themselves.
It is worth mentioning that LexisNexis Risk Solutions employees who initially believed they were already inclusive found the Elevate Career Mentoring program extremely beneficial.
I believe I am already inclusive, but I think working with a younger individual from a different ethnic background to me has improved on that.
WIE mentioned that our involvement in the Elevate Career Mentoring program last year led to,
- 83% of their students secure offers from top universities.
- 95% improved employability skills
- 81% adopted new study skills
- 73% feel more comfortable going to a top university
I consider myself as always being inclusive and respectful but the program did help me see things from a different perspective.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Many participants expressed a desire for more in-person meetings during the mentoring program. We also feel that wrapping up the program with a physical graduation event would be a meaningful way to conclude their rewarding journey in the program.
The mentor debrief session organized by WIE was highly enlightening. One significant recommendation was to establish a more defined connection between the mentoring program and early career paths at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. This suggestion was also echoed by the mentees, who are always enthusiastic about engaging in valuable work experiences.
A few mentors reported that they would have liked the program to be longer. We are aware that increasing the time commitment might not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, we are open to supplementing the standard structure with optional sessions. More generally, we will encourage the mentors to use our program as a framework but to feel confident to flex it to best fit the needs of their mentee.
THANK YOU
We would like to thank everyone who participated and contributed to the Elevate Career Mentoring program, especially With Insight Education. This partnership has contributed to building a pipeline of talent while improving LexisNexis Risk Solutions employees' skills and allyship.
OUR COMMITMENT
LexisNexis Risk Solutions is committed to advancing our culture of inclusion and belonging by taking action to support underrepresented groups. As part of LexisNexis Risk Solutions' commitment to this cause, we collaborate with companies and organizations that share the same dedication to changing lives.
BREAKING BARRIERS, UNLEASHING POTENTIAL.
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