The United States – Northern Ireland Mentorship Program  is a challenging, one-year, paid, work placement program in which residents of Northern Ireland are selected to work for a US-based company. The Program is designed to develop Northern Ireland’s future business leaders and entrepreneurs by giving them an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and mentoring. It is a highly competitive and challenging program that offers successful applicants a chance to:

• Develop a range of essential business, management and leadership skills.
• Develop a strong network of professional contacts and business links within the United States.
• Develop an understanding of the international dimension to business.
• Experience a different culture.
• Contribute to Northern Ireland’s future prosperity.

• The program is open to undergraduate, postgraduate and early career professionals, aged 21 and over who are permanent residents of Northern Ireland and who hold a British or Irish passport. Candidates must secure a J-1 visa to participate and must be willing to reside in the United States for the duration of their placement.
• Candidates are selected based on academic achievement, relevant business experience, a demonstrated interest in obtaining international experience and an ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment. Applicants must have 2.1 honors degree or above or above in a related field. (see note above on specific requirements).
• Note: Permanent residents of Northern Ireland who also hold a U.S. passport are not eligible for this program.
• Note: If you have previously traveled to the US on a J-1 visa you must include this detail on your application form and, if requested, include a copy of the visa on your passport.

• Applications will be reviewed by the selection panel that will rank candidates in order of qualifications, based on a range of considerations including academic achievement, relevant study/business experience and motivation to ultimately contribute to the future prosperity of Northern Ireland.
• Each applicant will submit the following:
  • An application form.
  • Academic transcripts (scans of preliminary transcripts will suffice for students currently enrolled, but we will require official transcripts after you complete your degree).
  • A 500-word autobiographical statement that explains the motivations for applying.
  • One recommendation letter from a referee.
  • A 1-page copy of their CV, this must include:
    1. Education Achievements – A Level subjects, results and university degree studied with result or expected result.
    2. Business Experience – should include any placements and other work experience undertaken.
    3. Extra-curricular – should include any volunteer work, sporting activities, travel and/or any other activities undertaken that demonstrate the skills required for this program – leadership, motivation, communication skills, creative thinking, discipline etc.

• Once a candidate is selected into the program, the Program Coordinator will share the resumes of prospective candidates with the participating host companies.
• Participating companies may conduct phone interviews and background checks as required and may decline to offer the position to shortlisted candidates. All participants must meet all US visa requirements.
• Please note that all hiring decisions are based on the final approval of the participating company.

• No
• Once candidates are accepted onto the Program we will identify the placements that are an appropriate match for your qualifications, experience and interest areas.
• You may be invited to interview with the company, after which they will decide whether to offer you the placement. If a participating company offers a candidate an interview, the expectation is that the candidate will attend.
• Failure to accept an invitation to interview is highly damaging to the program and our relationships with host companies. Candidates who choose to do so may not receive further invitations to interview.

• Our expectation is that, on being offered a placement with a host company, candidates will accept. Once you are offered a placement with a participating company, we will help you secure your visa. Placements run from January – December each year.