The power of peer mentoring: top tips for learning from the students around you

Have you ever considered asking a fellow AAT student to be your mentor? Their experience and wisdom may just be what you need to succeed.

Whether you’re tackling your first assessment or preparing for your final exam, having someone to guide you through the process can make all the difference. That’s where peer mentoring comes in.

What is peer mentoring?

Peer mentoring is all about learning from fellow students who are just a step ahead in their AAT journey. It’s informal and flexible, potentially giving you the tools to thrive throughout your qualification. These mentors aren’t tutors or lecturers, but students who’ve recently faced the same challenges and can offer practical advice, encouragement and insight.

When Becky Glover FMAAT started her finance career, she never formally asked anyone to be her mentor. Now finance director at insurance company Yutree, her advice for students is simple.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for someone to be your mentor because they will gain from it, too,” she said. “You don’t even have to have this fixed agreement that, ‘Okay, now you’re my mentor’. It’s really someone you need in that period of your life to help you achieve the next thing.”

These peers have stood in your shoes and understand the pressure you might be experiencing. They can share not only their successes but also their failures to inspire you. It’s also a fantastic way of staying motivated and connected throughout your studies.

How do you find a peer mentor?

For students wondering how to find a mentor, the key is to stop thinking about it in formal terms. Instead, focus on building genuine professional relationships.

“Maybe you meet someone at a networking event that you think is really interesting and you connect on LinkedIn afterwards.” said Glover. “You go for a coffee – that’s the start of a mentoring relationship.”

Here are some simple ways to connect with others and start your journey:

Join AAT’s online community: there are plenty of online spaces for students to connect, whether that’s The Online Forum, where learners can ask questions and share tips, or The Learning Portal where students can access study materials and connect with fellow learners. Social media can also be a brilliant way to connect with other AAT students. The AAT Distance Learning Group or Accounting Student Network can both be fantastic for moral support, study tips and sometimes even job opportunities.

Attend webinars and events: strike up conversations with attendees and speakers to online events, which are regularly hosted by AAT. Most recently the AAT Learner Lounge was launched – a simple webinar where students could come and listen to a casual discussion on a specific topic, which led to more detailed conversations and questions. Students on the call were encouraged to come on camera so they could see the rest of the community and share their own experiences.

Reach out directly: If someone in your class or study group seems ahead, ask if they’d be open to sharing their experience. Remember, everyone is striving towards the same goal, so the more information you can obtain from those around you, the better.

5 top tips for adopting a mentoring mindset

• Mutual benefit: both parties gain value from the relationship.
• Organic development: connections grow naturally rather than through formal programmes.
• Flexible duration: relationships can last from a few months to several years, depending on individual needs.
• Diverse perspectives: mentors don’t always need to be from accounting backgrounds.
• Network expansion: introductions and connections often prove as valuable as direct advice.

How to be a great mentee

It’s important to remember that your mentor will also look to you for guidance and support, so building a solid working relationship from the off is vital. Being respectful of their time is something to consider. Always remember to keep chats focused and purposeful to avoid wasted conversations.

Come prepared with questions or topics to each meet-up. Perhaps you’re struggling with a particular section of the syllabus, or you just need support on remote study methods. Example questions might be:

• What study techniques helped you stay focused?
• How did you manage your time around work and study?
• What resources did you find most useful?
• Any advice for staying motivated during tough periods?

As a mentee, you should also be open to feedback and new ideas. Sometimes it can be tough to hear when a peer thinks your way could be improved, but this is how you learn and grow. You might also like to share your progress with your mentor as this helps them feel their support is making a difference.

For mentors, the relationship can provide fresh perspectives and keep them connected to industry changes. Glove added: “They might be coming to me with questions but I can also say to them, ‘Listen, you’re a Gen Z and I’m a millennial. How are you viewing that?’ Then I can take that insight to the next board table I’m sitting at.”

Peer mentoring is a powerful way to build community, reduce isolation and boost your confidence. Whether you’re seeking support or offering it, you’re helping to create a culture of collaboration and encouragement among AAT students.

Further reading

The magic of mentoring trainees

The future of accounting: 11 big shifts on the horizon

What does the rise of AI mean for entry-level roles?

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.