Join a vibrant community of mentors making a difference through alumni-to-alumni or alumni-to-student mentoring and begin conversations that foster growth, guidance and connection.
Inspire and guide the next generation through our alumni mentorship programs
Many alumni mentors say the feeling of purpose and fulfilment they get from helping those following in their footsteps is priceless – plus many benefit from participating in mentorship programs in ways that they didn’t expect. Make an impact by providing crucial career guidance and support through a structured one-to-one mentoring relationship, or through one-off career conversations in Ask Alumni. No matter your circumstances, we have a mentoring option that’s right for you.
Meet our student mentees and alumni mentors
Find the right mentoring program
There’s something to suit everyone’s needs in our range of mentoring programs. Each program has its own style, level of formality and established time commitment. Since mentorship is all about volunteering and finding a good fit for both parties, take a moment to reflect on what works best for you.
Explore the programs below to learn more about what each one offers, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions – we’re here to help.
Benefits for mentors
Our mentors are often surprised by how much they personally benefit from mentoring a student or alum. Learn more about what you can take away from the mentoring experience.
Personal benefits
- Gaining a sense of personal fulfilment from helping others
- Giving back to the University
- Making a difference by offering the advice and support you would have benefitted from as a student
Professional benefits
- Developing transferable skills in areas such as leadership and communication
- Gaining volunteering experience that can be showcased on your resumé
- Gaining a new perspective on your own career and recognising your own success
Career mentoring
As a volunteering industry professional, you can foster a strong relationship with a student through a faculty-specific mentoring program. These mentoring programs run for between five to eight months with as many one-on-one meetings as you and your student mentee see fit.
Continuing your mentorship outside of the formal timings is up to you. The level of industry experience needed to become a mentor differs per program and your mentee match will be made based on your industry compatibility. Select your area of expertise to find out more.
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This career stream connects second and third-year Bachelor of Design and graduate coursework degree students with alumni and industry experts.
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The Arts career stream matches graduate students from the courses below with experienced alumni.
Executive Master of Arts
Executive Master of Public Administration
Master of Applied Linguistics
Master of Art Curatorship
Master of Arts and Cultural Management
Master of Contemporary Chinese Studies
Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Master of Criminology
Master of Cultural Materials Conservation
Master of Development Studies
Master of Global Media Communication
Master of International Journalism
Master of International Relations
Master of Journalism
Master of Marketing Communications
Master of Public Policy and Management
Master of Publishing and Communications
Master of Social Policy
Master of Translation and Interpreting -
The Business and Economics career stream matches Bachelor of Commerce and specialist masters students with alumni and industry professionals.
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The MDHS career stream connects penultimate and final year students from select courses, with experience alumni in the healthcare sector.
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The Education career stream matches graduate students from the courses below with experience alumni.
Master of Education
Masters of TESOL
Masters of Modern Languages Education -
The Fine Arts and Music career stream matches students from the courses below with experienced alumni.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and TV)
Bachelor of fine Arts (Screenwriting)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
Master of Contemporary Art
Master of Film and TV
Master of Screenwriting -
The Melbourne Law School Mentoring Program connects JD students (any year of their degree) and full-time international MLM students with a law alumni and industry experts with at least three years of professional experience.
Now accepting expressions of interest.
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The STEM career stream connects students studying a Science undergraduate, postgraduate or graduate research degree, or Engineering or IT postgraduate student with alumni and industry professionals.
One-off career conversations and non-career focused programs
We’re committed to fostering a sense of belonging for students from all walks of life at the University of Melbourne. To help offer support for challenges unrelated to their industry-specific courses, we offer mentoring opportunities that guide students who are new to Melbourne, come from diverse backgrounds, or face diverse challenges.
These programs require different levels of commitment and engagement from mentors, from one-off conversations to continuous face-to-face meetings. Mentors who have had similar experiences to their mentees are best suited to these programs.
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The flexible and fully online Ask Alumni platform facilitates short, one-off career conversations. As a mentor on the platform, you can help guide both students and alumni at different stages of their studies and careers.
Some benefits of providing guidance through Ask Alumni:
- Sharing your knowledge and expertise
- Developing your coaching skills
- Empowering the leaders of the future
How to join the Ask Alumni program?
- Join our Ask Alumni platform with your personal email address.
- Complete the registration form with your basic details and some information to help you find the right match for your next career conversation. We will notify you when your registration is accepted.
- Login to the platform to set your availability and detail other preferences – you can decide how to make the platform work best for you.
- If you’re seeking support, you can start browsing alumni profiles right away. The handy search tool can help you find the perfect match.
- If you want to provide guidance to others, simply sit back and wait for a connection request to come through.
Need support?
Contact the Ask Alumni team by email if you have any questions or need guidance. -
International Australia Award students are matched with members of our alumni community who act as cultural hosts, introducing students to life in Melbourne by sharing a social activity together.
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The Strong Women Network Mentorship Program is a year-long mentorship program commencing in Semester 2. Mentees eligible for the program are undergraduate student-athletes in their final or penultimate year of study or postgraduate student-athletes. Women from the University of Melbourne community with involvement in high performance sport as an athlete, leader, coach, and/or administrator can participate as a mentor. The Network aims to impart student-athletes with leadership abilities, vocational skills, connections, and career pathway opportunities within the field of sport.
Stories of contribution and transformation through mentorships
Our compassionate alumni mentors help students and young alumni build their confidence and gain industry insights that help propel their careers. Read more stories from our generous mentor community.
More ways to offer and receive support
Make the most of unique opportunities to make an impact on others or progress your own career with support from your alumni community.
Volunteering
There are more ways to give your time, connect with others and help your University community thrive beyond mentoring. Learn about all the ways you can contribute.
Discover ways to volunteer
Find a mentor
Did you know alumni can also connect with fellow alumni in their chosen field to help progress in their career or offer critical advice? Learn more about how it works.
Get support from alumni
Support students
Another way to encourage the next generation of leaders is by donating towards student support. You can give to scholarships that support students facing disadvantage.
Explore giving to studentsBecome a mentor FAQs
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- Contribute to the development of the next generation of professionals
- Develop a fresh perspective on your career
- Extend your professional network
- Help to shape the future of your profession and community
- Connect with the next generation of graduates
- Reconnect or develop closer links with the University of Melbourne, ranked #1 in Australia
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20 April: Mentor applications for the program open
June: Matching Process
Week commencing 13 July: Students and alumni will be notified about the outcome of their application and introduced to their partners via email
Week commencing 20 July: Preparation events will be held for matched mentors and mentees
July - November: Students are encouraged to organise at least 3 meetings with their mentors. These can take place in person or online
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As a mentor you are expected to support and guide your mentee in ways that are appropriate for their field. Mentors:
- Help mentees to find their own solutions to problems
- Challenge mentees preconceptions and assumptions of themselves and their understanding of professions, career paths and study choices
- Encourage mentees to build confidence in themselves, their choices and their abilities
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A mentor is someone who is:
- Willing and eager to listen
- Enthusiastic, yet honest
- Open to learning and self-reflection
- Happy to share experiences, both positive and negative
- Supports and listens rather than coaching or lecturing
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To join the Career Mentoring program as a mentor you must:
- Currently working/practicing in the industry.
- Have a minimum of one year professional work experience.
- Not be currently employed by the University of Melbourne in any role that influences the academic outcomes of students.
- Not be in any position or situation that may be deemed to cause a conflict of interest affecting the results of this program.
University of Melbourne alumni are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Mentors and students are expected to meet at least 3 times between July and end of November. The exact nature and frequency of these meetings can be determined between the mentor and student and may include an informal catch-up over coffee, attending a public lecture or industry event together, and more.
Mentors are also encouraged to attend on-campus program events where possible with their student mentees, and to provide feedback and complete program surveys as required.
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Mentors are supported through program preparation events, online resources, and ongoing assistance from the Mentoring Team throughout the program.
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Mentoring is a voluntary role and mentors are not paid; however, many mentors tell us they gain valuable professional insight, connection and satisfaction from the experience.
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We will match you with a student based on commonality in your applications. Best efforts will be made to fulfil your preferences but not all preferences can be guaranteed.
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No, we will match you with a student taking into consideration the preferences and interests you have provided on your application form. Best efforts will be made to fulfil your preferences but not all preferences can be guaranteed.
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The scheduling of mentor/student meetings is the responsibility of the student and needs to be scheduled at a location and time suitable for both parties. However, it is preferable that students work around the mentor’s schedule. Please note, there is no requirement for mentors to meet students on campus.
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Yes. Places in this program are restricted to those that are eligible to apply, and to those that are compatible with the available students. Unfortunately, not all applications will be successful. We are happy to discuss your suitability for the program with you in person.
How can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions or contact the alumni office.
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