Alumni volunteers generously share their time, expertise and experience to support students as they explore their futures, build confidence and feel connected to a global community. This page celebrates the impact of that support through the voices of students whose journeys have been shaped by their guidance, encouragement and generosity, and the alumni volunteers who made it possible.
Student stories
As students, Nina and Hardik were both looking for real insight into their chosen industries. Through mentoring, they gained honest advice, practical guidance and the confidence to pursue new opportunities, from shadowing a mentor to landing a first role, and building networking skills that led to an internship. Discover how alumni mentoring helps students turn career questions into confident next steps.
Jaymini
Master of Applied Positive Psychology
Coming from an unconventional background I really appreciated being truly understood and accepted for who I am and matched with someone who could really understand where I was coming from and supported me to move forward from feeling very stuck, it was a life changing experience that I am forever grateful for having this connection and experience.
Ashley
Bachelor of Design
It’s always nice to talk to someone who has experience, even if you don’t have specific things you need from them. A lot of graduate stress comes from not knowing what to do, or being overwhelmed, but even just speaking to your mentor is always helpful.
Auryn
Master of Urban Planning
The mentorship program was just what I needed to take the step from being a student to a professional in my field. It allowed me to complete a successful series of job interviews to land a part-time job and internship for academic credit.
Sharon
Bachelor of Design
Being able to be mentored by a previous student of UniMelb with experience in the field has allowed me to broaden my perspective around work life after graduation through the lens of someone who can understand and sympathise with my thoughts and feelings during my course.
Sylvia
Master of Architecture
The mentoring experience helped me feel more supported and less overwhelmed, especially during key transition periods at university. Having a mentor to share insights, advice, and reassurance made a genuine difference.
Hannah
Master of Urban Planning
Participating as a mentee was one of the most valuable experiences of my studies. The personalised guidance, industry insights and encouragement I received helped me grow with confidence and clarity. It offers genuine support and opens up opportunities you may not discover on your own.
Yufei
Master of Biotechnology
The mentoring program has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with an expert in my field and gain a clearer understanding of the industry, future career paths, and how to find the right job. Beyond the professional support, my mentor, also acted as a “mental mentor” throughout the year. During this intensive project period, I was often overwhelmed with assignments or faced challenges, and our conversations always helped me see things from a new perspective. She made me feel supported, encouraged, and truly uplifted. I’m very grateful for this program.
Tracy
Master of Environment
The mentoring program has been one of the best programs I’ve participated in at UniMelb, because I’ve received genuinely valuable guidance over the past five months. My mentor is highly knowledgeable and incredibly supportive, and always provides meaningful insights whenever I bring up a topic. I truly appreciate this program, and I believe it’s a must-have for any student who wants to bridge the gap between university and the workplace.
Hendrick
Doctor of Medicine
Participating in the MDHS Career Mentoring Program has been one of my most enriching experiences throughout my undergraduate degree. My mentor was excellent, offering valuable insights into the nature of their career and work environment which supported me in my own career planning process. They were also extremely kind, compassionate and generous, giving much advice and wisdom on my development of key skills in interviewing and communication which I truly valued. Ultimately, I highly recommend this program to proactive students seeking to discover more facets of their aspiring careers from established experts in the field.
Volunteer impact in numbers
Each year, alumni volunteers make a meaningful difference to students by sharing their time, expertise and lived experience - with many returning to do so again.
Alumni stories
Alessia
PhD candidate
It was incredibly rewarding to be paired with a student through the Access Connections program. I participated myself in the past as a mentee and to be able to be on the other side as now a mentor was a great opportunity. I highly recommend this program to staff, but also graduate students (i.e. PhD students) to support younger students through their journey.
Rachel
Mentor
This was an interesting and engaging way to connect with a student and be able to provide a 'listening ear' to support them in making their own informed decisions about their study and career development. I was connected with a very enthusiastic, wise and proactive student who brought much enrichment to my experience.
Viet
Mentor
Being a mentor for the University of Melbourne is an excellent and rewarding opportunity to give back to the community and to contribute to the development of the next generation of exceptional individuals.
Hasan
Mentor
The Career Mentoring Program is an excellent platform for alumni to connect with current students who are on a similar journey. It offers alumni the chance to share valuable insights that help students better understand life after graduation and make informed career decisions. The program is well-structured and supported by a range of resources, promoting meaningful two-way learning through shared experiences. Most importantly, it enables alumni to stay actively connected with the university community.
Tony
Mentor
I have thoroughly enjoyed the mentoring experience. I have been able able to positively utilise and share my experience of nearly 50 years of Medical and Psychiatric practice in my interactions with my mentee throughout the program and we developed a strong and lasting friendship. I recommend participation as mentors in the program without reservation to all my colleagues.
Jasmine
Mentor
I've been part of the Mentoring Program for a number of years, and it is always a rewarding and inspiring experience. I feel I learn just as much from the students as they may from me - even when we may come from different fields of study. Seeing the diversity of interests, aspirations, and experiences people bring to this program is a highlight of my ongoing connection with the university.
Sandra
Mentor
To give back to the next generation of leaders in healthcare is very rewarding. The students are insightful and provide a fresh eye on industry, asking relevant questions and it was a mutually beneficial program. We still keep in touch after the mentoring program and it's wonderful to see their growth during the early career stages.
Rob
Mentor
Mentoring is not only a wonderful way to pay it forward but is also a great opportunity to learn from the perspectives and experience of highly motivated younger people. Mentoring is part of my own continuing professional and personal development.
Christine
Mentor
Mentoring a fresh graduate has been both fulfilling and enriching. While supporting my mentee’s study and career planning, I found myself reflecting on my own journey and rediscovering the values that guide me. Mentoring, I’ve learned, is as much about mutual growth as it is about guidance. Thank you for the mentoring opportunity.
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 studentsHow can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions or contact the alumni office.
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