Guidance, Growth and Great Conversations
The Haileybury Leaders Mentoring Programme is now open for applications to the 2026 cohort. We spoke to previous mentor-mentee pair, Vanessa Viney and Wendy Wang, to discover how a year of mentoring built confidence, opened doors and forged lasting professional connections.
Wendy Wang (Colvin, 2023) joined the programme during her gap year, preparing to study Material Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Unsure whether to study AI or materials, she wanted guidance on navigating both her degree and her future career. Wendy was matched with Vanessa Viney, Innovations Manager at Airbus and parent of a current pupil.
From their first meeting at the Leaders mentoring reception, Wendy and Vanessa formed a partnership that mixed scheduled catch ups with spontaneous opportunities. Vanessa introduced Wendy to her aerospace and engineering network, shaping the mentoring journey so Wendy could gain hands-on experience, exposure to networking opportunities, and tailored insight into the space sector.
Wendy’s Perspective
WW: “I initially joined as I was on my gap year and whilst I roughly knew where I was going, I didn’t really have any connections within STEM. I thought it would be interesting to have someone talk me through their experience and how they got to where they are in their career so I could understand what opportunities I should grasp. However, what I got out of the mentorship was way beyond that. Vanessa didn’t just discuss her experiences, she got me into conferences and helped me connect with people in her network.
Networking has been a really helpful aspect of the mentoring programme. I just didn’t know what networking meant – when you come out of school I think it’s a really abstract concept. Seeing Vanessa interact within the industry taught me the skills to do it on my own.
During the programme, Vanessa gave Wendy valuable exposure to the wider space industry alongside practical opportunities. Wendy visited Airbus to spend a day with the AI team and then the materials facility to discover which area she was most interested in. Following this, she joined an SME accelerator (small and medium enterprise), meeting business leaders and entrepreneurs while learning how to market herself. She attended Space-Comm Expo, a free event connecting people in the sector, which gave her a thorough introduction to the industry. Now, a year later, she has returned as an intern exhibitor for a space startup!
WW: The programme and meeting Vanessa have been so beneficial. I went to university with a real understanding of the industry and what I find interesting. This meant I’ve been able to tailor my experience and harness all of the resources that Imperial has on offer.
Even after the mentorship officially ended, we’re still in contact and Vanessa shares with me opportunities she thinks I’d be interested in.
Vanessa’s Perspective
Vanessa got involved with the programme to share her own experience and empower more young people, especially girls, to join STEM fields.
VV: For girls in particular, they often don’t have the confidence to get involved so it’s great to give them a sounding board and demonstrate the gateways to achieve success. I didn’t really have that kind of mentorship when I was starting out, so I want to show those at the beginning of their journey that space is accessible – there are so many ways you can get involved!
When we started meeting, I really wanted to understand where Wendy was, what kind of decisions she wanted to make. I wanted to encourage her to get the most of her gap year to put things on her CV as that’s really beneficial to demonstrate to employers. There really is no ‘one size fits all’ when you’re approaching mentoring, so it’s important to adapt the partnership in a way that works for you both.
For me, it’s been so rewarding following Wendy’s journey and I feel really proud of her. Business is all about people, especially in the small space community. I loved being able to introduce Wendy to some of my network – and it’s so rewarding to hear that the network keeps growing as she shares her insights with others.
Top tips for mentoring success
Wendy advised future mentees to come with the right attitude.
WW: Mentoring isn’t just someone helping you solve a problem. Go in with an idea of what you want, be proactive with opportunities given and reflect on what you’ve learned.
You don’t have to be the perfect mentee, the whole point is for you to grow. Be open minded – when I first met Vanessa, I thought Airbus was all about planes, but this opportunity taught me how wide engineering really is.
Vanessa encouraged mentees to be ambitious and mentors to adapt.
VV: I would say to any mentee: think big and make the most of every opportunity. Where you start may not be where you end up. Have confidence, ask questions and don’t limit yourself.
For mentors: you don’t need to know everything – ask questions, obtain information and pass it along. Mentoring is an iterative process, it won’t have a big bang moment. Sometimes you don’t even realise the effect you have had until later on!
Why get involved?
WW: There is absolutely nothing to lose, only things to gain. At Haileybury you’re part of this great community which provides a fantastic resource. This is a great opportunity to connect and build lifelong relationships with others, which is especially important at the beginning of your career.
VV: This isn’t an exclusive club. This programme is for everyone at Haileybury and is a resource to help you be the best that you can be. It’s also important for both potential mentees and mentors to realise it’s an adaptable programme to ensure it works for both of you. It’s so rewarding seeing the next generation taking opportunities and seeing your advice open doors for them. Being part of their journey is incredible.
Interested in seeing what the Haileybury Leaders Programme could do for you?
Mentees can apply to get involved here.
If you’re interested in giving back and mentoring, please contact the team on development@haileybury.com
