FAQs

• Contribute to the development of the next generation of business and economics professionals
• Inspire the future business community
• Develop your leadership and mentoring skills
• Extend your professional network
• Support your student to identify and achieve their career goals and develop in confidence.

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.

Mentors challenge, motivate, inspire and encourage mentees to achieve their goals.

• 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.
• Are open to sharing their personal experiences and stories.
• Are patient and non-judgemental, providing a safe place to test ideas.
• Are culturally sensitive.
• Practice active listening.

To join the Career Mentoring Program as a mentor you must:

• Have a minimum of one year of professional work experience.
• Currently working/practicing in the industry.
• Not be currently employed by the University of Melbourne in any role that influences the academic outcomes of students eligible for the program.
• Not be in any position or situation that may be deemed to cause a conflict of interest affecting the results of this program.

Mentors and students are expected to have at least three meetings over the five-month program between July and November. The exact nature and frequency of these meetings can be determined between the mentor and student and may include informal catch ups over coffee, virtual meetings, workplace or campus based discussions, 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.

Upon application, both mentors and mentees are assessed for eligibility to take part and then create well-researched matches based on a range of attributes. Best efforts will be made to fulfil your preferences, but not all preferences can be guaranteed.

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 fulfill your preferences but not all preferences can be guaranteed.

The focus of the program is careers and career pathways. The role of a mentor is to provide wise counsel, listen and challenge assumptions. Mentees look to their mentors to share stories of their career path, success, challenges and provide key advice.

We expect students to leave the program feeling more knowledgeable about the world of work. Students may set themselves goals such as revising their résumé, gaining interview practice, understanding an industry sector or feeling more confident when speaking with professionals.

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.

You are signing up as an individual. If you are interested in signing up as an organisation, please contact our expert team via fbe-industryprograms@unimelb.edu.au.