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Mentoring Programme

The FOCAL Mentoring Programme offers support and guidance to individuals seeking to enter or advance their careers in the media archive industry. Each year, FOCAL seeks out newcomers to the archive and footage sector, as well as those eager to grow within various areas of the archival field.

Photo: © ITV

Mentoring Period January - June 2027

This is an international programme; we welcome applications worldwide! 

Register your interest to become a mentee/mentor here.

Programme includes:

  • Pairing with a dedicated professional to give guidance and advice.
  • A minimum of one hour monthly online or in-person meeting over six months with your mentor.
  • Ongoing support throughout the programme from your mentor, the FOCAL team and FOCAL's Training Committee members.
  • Sector-specific networking opportunities.
  • CV review and discussions on career progression.
  • One-year FOCAL International membership.
  • Access to the wider FOCAL Member community via LinkedIn groups.
  • Free access to FOCAL's resources, events (where applicable) and webinars.
  • Discounted entry to Industry Events where available.

Eligibility:

Aspiring archive and media professionals, including students and newcomers, who are keen to learn more about the audiovisual sector and gain valuable advice from an experienced industry mentor to help shape their career journey. 

Professionals currently working in the field who are looking to broaden their expertise, enhance their skills, develop new industry connections, or explore opportunities within different areas of the archive and content licensing sector.

Mentors:

  • Our UK and international mentors give their time on a voluntary basis.
  • All mentors are well-established industry professionals with extensive experience.
  • Mentors expertise:
    • Archival Research.
    • Research - Planning and Management.
    • Footage & Content Licensing – Library Management.
    • Rights & Policy.
    • Post-Production, Digitisation & Restoration.
  • Our mentors offer
    • A minimum of one hour monthly online or in-person meetings with their mentee.
    • Their expertise and shared knowledge within the archive industry.
    • Feedback and encouragement for questions.
    • Sector-specific networking introduction.
    • Opportunities to visit footage archives/facility houses

Please note:

This is an international programme; we accept and encourage worldwide applications. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, they will be matched with a dedicated mentor for the duration of the programme. Mentees agree to participate in any relevant publicity as part of the mentoring programme.

For further questions, please reach out to the FOCAL Team at [email protected]