The Fintech Alliance has introduced a new program via its platform, called the Fintech Alliance Mentoring Hub.
The hub will help financial technology industry leaders connect with startup founders, entrepreneurs and other professionals who want to gain more experience and move up the career ladder in Fintech.
The launch of the Fintech Alliance Mentoring Hub shows that the Fintech Alliance remains committed to its goal of supporting UK talent in the Fintech sector, which includes connecting industry leaders and promising startups.
Mentoring is important because it helps individuals who are just beginning their careers in the industry, or who might not be sure about which steps to take in order to connect with people who are serving in similar positions.
Through these programs, mentees are able to talk about how to address common challenges and learn from other peoples’ experiences. In many cases, people know what they intend to accomplish and what they need to do to achieve their goals, however, they just need to talk to someone to gain more confidence.
Being a mentor to people who may not have as much experience is an important positive step in a person’s career development. Mentors also learn by working with their mentees. They develop leadership and management skills and are able to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
Commenting on the importance and benefits of a good mentorship program, Anne Boden, CEO at Starling Bank, stated:
“I had never met a chairman of a big company until I participated in the FTSE 100 cross company mentoring scheme. It really opened my eyes. Not only did I have a lot to learn from the chairmen who mentored me, but I realized that I had a lot to give too – and that helped me set my sights higher.”
As mentioned on the official Fintech Alliance website, users can register as either a mentor or a mentee. Mentors have to note their skills and academic and professional qualifications, while mentees have to specify which areas they want help with and would like to learn more about. The platform then matches mentors with mentees based on their specific skill sets and professional interests. Applications for becoming a mentor or a mentee are open to everyone, and the Mentoring Hub is available at no cost.
Phil Vidler, CEO at Fintech Alliance, noted:
“The UK is at a stage where we have a mature, thriving Fintech ecosystem with experienced leaders across all parts of the sector. We now have a responsibility to come together and share this knowledge and best practice with one another and with new entrepreneurs coming in.
He added:
“Fintech Alliance is committed to building on this work and developing skills and talent across the UK, and mentoring is an important way to do this.”