Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of an alumni and employer engagement mentoring initiative in a hospitality and tourism school within a UK university. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses the survey method and interviews to provide qualitative and quantitative data on the participants' reactions to the initiative. Findings: The main components of successful mentoring programmes; matching, preparation, interaction and evaluation are explored to help identify the long- and short-term challenges and benefits of mentoring students as they transition into the graduate labour market. The findings highlight the benefits to mentors and mentees and the challenges for ensuring participant engagement and ongoing development. The article concludes with an agenda for further mentoring developments in the midst of the dynamic challenges facing UK higher education institutions and the hospitality and tourism industry. Practical implications: The article highlights the importance of a systematic approach to developing a mentoring programme and engaging industry in a distinctive way with the transitioning of undergraduates into the workplace. Originality/value: This article offers unique evidence of an employer engagement initiative aimed at supporting sector specific management graduates as they transition from university into industry. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)