From Uncertainty to Clarity: How Mentoring Helped Yvonne Shape Her Future
Yvonne Li, 2nd鈥憏ear Economics student
Mentee on 果冻传媒 Alumni Mentoring Programme
鈥淚 realised I didn鈥檛 have to figure it all out on my own鈥�
You don鈥檛 have to navigate your future alone.
Yvonne鈥檚 story shows how alumni mentoring can build confidence, provide clarity, and help students move forward - supported by 果冻传媒 graduates who once stood exactly where they are now.
Finding clarity at a key decision point
When Yvonne Li joined the 果冻传媒 Alumni Mentoring Programme, she was at a crossroads familiar to many students. As a second鈥憏ear Economics student, she was starting to think seriously about her final year - from choosing modules and managing workload, to preparing for her dissertation and deciding what to do after graduation.
鈥淎t the time, module pre鈥憆egistration had just opened,鈥� Yvonne explains. 鈥淚 was considering quite a few finance鈥� and maths鈥慴ased modules and wanted advice from someone who had studied Economics before me. I wanted to choose modules that would support my dissertation and employability - but also allow for a healthier work鈥憀ife balance.鈥�
She was also unsure whether to apply for graduate roles or pursue a Master鈥檚 degree, and wanted guidance from people who had already navigated those decisions.
Why alumni mentoring?
Yvonne chose alumni mentoring because she wanted real鈥憌orld insight, not just academic advice.
鈥淚 was looking for honest insight into module choices, applying for a Master鈥檚, and what certain careers are actually like day to day,鈥� she says. 鈥淪peaking to alumni felt like the best way to understand how my choices now could shape my future.鈥�
Rather than feeling nervous about reaching out, Yvonne felt motivated. 鈥淚 realised I didn鈥檛 have to figure everything out on my own. This was about helping my future self.鈥�
A supportive and flexible experience
Getting started on 果冻传媒grad was straightforward, and Yvonne was surprised by how quickly mentors responded.
鈥淢y mentors replied within three days!鈥�
Using filters such as academic background, graduation year and current role, she connected with alumni whose journeys closely matched her own goals. Once introductions were made, conversations continued flexibly via platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp.
鈥淭he alumni were incredibly approachable. They were genuinely happy to talk and share their experiences.鈥�
Conversations that built confidence
Yvonne came to her mentoring conversations with clear goals: advice on module choices, guidance on Master鈥檚 programmes, and honest insight into career paths.
One mentor had completed a Master鈥檚 degree in Singapore at the same university Yvonne was considering. 鈥淗e walked me through the entire process - from applications to what studying there is really like. That was incredibly reassuring.鈥�
Other mentors shared practical insight into finance鈥憆elated Master鈥檚 programmes, explaining entry requirements, language tests, interviews and even AI鈥慴ased selection processes. 鈥淭hey explained what to expect and how to prepare. That really took the fear out of it.鈥�
The impact: clarity, confidence and direction
As a result of mentoring, Yvonne now feels much clearer about her academic and career direction.
鈥淚 know which modules to take, how they鈥檒l support my dissertation, and how my interests fit into my longer鈥憈erm goals.鈥�
Her mentors also encouraged her to pursue modules she was genuinely interested in 鈥� such as data science and behavioural economics - helping her see that aligning interests, values and employability really matters.
Most importantly, mentoring helped her make a decision she had been struggling with. 鈥淚 realised that applying for a Master鈥檚 feels right for me - academically, professionally and personally, as it allows me to be closer to my family.鈥�
A lasting source of support
One of Yvonne鈥檚 biggest takeaways was how generous her mentors were with their time. 鈥淚 was surprised by how thoughtful and detailed their advice was. It went far beyond what I expected.鈥�
She already plans to reconnect with her mentors as she prepares her Master鈥檚 applications later this year.
A message to other students
For students who may feel unsure about reaching out, Yvonne鈥檚 advice is simple: 鈥淒on鈥檛 hold yourself back. The mentors genuinely want to help. They鈥檝e been where you are and they care about supporting students to make the right choices.鈥�
And would she seek out a mentor again? 鈥淎bsolutely. I already know who I鈥檒l be going back to.鈥�