Thinking about joining the B!G mentor journey or already signed up as a B!G Mentor? You might be wondering what happens next. The good news is simple: mentoring with The B!G Idea takes just 6–8 hours between January and May, with plenty of opportunities to get more involved if you wish.
Above all, the programme is flexible. You can give as much or as little time as suits you. However, many mentors quickly discover that The B!G Idea draws them in. As a result, they often choose to engage even more with students and the wider mentor community.
October to April: B!G 5 Live Sessions
Every Wednesday at 11am, our B!G 5 Live sessions take place on Instagram. During these short and lively chats, Kim is joined by a mentor to answer quick-fire questions about creativity and innovation.
Mentors are always welcome to take part. It only takes five minutes, yet it’s a fun way to share insights and connect with the community.
In October, we host mentor focus groups to walk through the programme and explain what students will experience. At the same time, mentors can share feedback and ideas.
This collaborative approach ensures mentors feel informed, supported and involved from the start.
One of the most exciting parts of the B!G mentor journey is helping students identify issues and co-create project briefs. This stage is creative, collaborative and hugely rewarding.
Mentors who wish to get involved at this stage are always welcome.
In November, mentors can contribute to group lessons. Students interview expert mentors about their careers and specialist skills.
These sessions are interactive and relaxed. They include Q&A discussions as well as light-hearted moments with students. As a result, students gain real-world insights while mentors connect directly with young innovators.
February is when mentoring truly comes to life. Between 18–25 February, mentors receive three student projects to review.
You will be asked to provide constructive feedback to help students develop their ideas further. Then, students refine their projects based on your suggestions. Throughout this process, we provide full support through online resources and mentor lunch-and-learn sessions.
Project Judging
In May, mentors review the same projects again to see how they have progressed. Because of this, you can clearly see the impact of your feedback.
Our easy-to-use platform makes reviewing and scoring projects simple and enjoyable.
The B!G Showcase takes place on 20 May. We encourage all mentors to attend online and celebrate student achievements. It’s also a chance to see which teams win the B!G prizes and how ideas have evolved.
Overall, the B!G mentor journey requires only 6–8 hours between January and May. Nevertheless, mentors can choose to participate more if they wish. There are many ways to engage with students, teachers and the wider mentor network.
Most importantly, this is a flexible and inclusive mentoring experience. One size does not fit all — and that’s exactly what makes B!G mentoring unique.
In addition, mentors receive exclusive perks, including special discounts and goodies from our partner network. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting the next generation.
Ready to support students across Ireland and share your experience?
Join the B!G mentor journey today and become part of a creative, inspiring community.
Not a mentor yet? Sign up now and enjoy all the benefits.
