Alum Kinsey’s lifelong love of mentoring supports international students
Bachelor of Commerce alum Kinsey Li mentors to experience “the joy of watching someone grow.”
Not only has the London-based alum mentored many university students, but she also received guidance during her own university days and remains eager to be mentored through each new stage of her career.
“If I didn’t have a corporate job, I would be a teacher, because I have a passion for sharing knowledge,” said Kinsey.
Since graduating, Kinsey has worked for nearly a decade in HR analytics – a field she is enthusiastic about.
“The art of HR analytics is all about using people-related data to help leaders make better decisions,” explained Kinsey.
“I do things like retention predictions and organisational network analysis to determine which parts of the organisation communicate well and which parts are disjointed.”
Kinsey Li standing in front of Tower Bridge, London.
After starting at EY in 2019, Kinsey rose through the ranks to her current role as Associate Director of HR Analytics and Insights which has enabled her to travel the world.
“I got the opportunity to lead the Oceania people analytics team across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea,” she said.
“That role then led to a number of roles in Asia Pacific and my current role in the UK.”
Through all her career successes, Kinsey never outgrew her desire to be mentored as new challenges and growth opportunities continued to present themselves along the way.
“Whenever I come across something difficult or lose my way, someone shows up and guides me through difficulties,” said Kinsey.
“My first manager, Alison, taught me how to ‘work smart’, and that set the foundation of the rest of my working career.”
Kinsey said that Alison modelled wellbeing as a fundamental value and remembers how she always prioritised fitness classes and other healthy habits alongside work commitments.
Her second manager, Craig, taught Kinsey another critical lesson in self-confidence and self-validation.
“He said, ‘Kinsey, you're good enough, you don't need any permission’, and I feel like my freedom has just grown from there,” she said.
“I started reflecting on why I always sought external validation when I know that the work I do is good enough.”
Shanell, another manager of Kinsey’s in Singapore showed her that although it can be easy to feel stuck in a linear career path, that is often not the reality.
“She taught me that you have to pursue your passion when things are right, and if you're not having fun at work, you can change the environment.”
Sharing new perspectives
Alongside Kinsey’s openness to new mentors and role models in her own life, she also offers her experience and wisdom to students starting their careers.
Kinsey has mentored many students over the years and, most recently, participated in the FBE Career Mentoring Program where she mentored Master of Management (Human Resources) student Thiri Hlaing.
“She is one of a kind – she wants to know the way to her career, and she's not in it just for a transactional outcome,” said Kinsey.
When the pair first met, Thiri was clear about what she wanted from the mentoring relationship – namely an understanding of the pathways available to her in the field and which might suit her best.
“I explored with her the things that she enjoys doing, the things she doesn’t like doing, and then presented a series of career options to her.”
Thiri is an international student facing a unique set of challenges, like Kinsey once was.
“As an international student, it’s important to have the confidence to be the equal, instead of having to minimise oneself to try to gain approval,” she said.
Kinsey helped reframe some of Thiri’s perspectives in a more positive way.
“I think I could see her mind shift, and during our conversations, I could see the ‘aha’ moments as well.
“Hopefully, she has walked away with a new perspective that the world is her oyster with her attitude and drive.”
Kinsey also reflected on how students benefit from being mentored by alumni based overseas, and more broadly, the University’s extensive international community.
“I think it's the global network that's beneficial, and it’s a unique advantage of the University’s, because it has a huge number of alumni working overseas,” she said.
And Thiri won’t need to wait long to experience the benefits of her global connections. Later in 2024, she will be able to meet Kinsey in-person during a student trip to the UK.
Learn more about Kinsey's mentee, Thiri.
Formative experiences
While Kinsey has become accustomed to moving across the world and adapting to new cultures, she wasn’t always comfortable doing so.
Kinsey migrated to Australia by herself from China when she was 16, and the struggles Kinsey experienced have greatly motivated her to help students facing a similar journey.
Kinsey Li at her Bachelor of Commerce graduation ceremony in 2014.
“There's a part of me that wishes I had a mentor to help me with my struggles when I first moved to Australia,” she shared.
“If I can be a guiding light helping them on their way, that will help me too – it’s a part of my healing process.”
Now that Kinsey is giving back to students following a similar path to her own, she feels that there is so much for mentors to gain from the experience too.
“You learn so much and stay grounded with latest what's happening at the University,” explained Kinsey.
“Having spoken with Thiri, I’ve found out what university is like nowadays and what the students are learning.”
Apart from gaining unique insights from the students and mentors, the “feel good factor” is what motivates Kinsey the most.
“All the opportunities I've been handed had an element of luck, so now, I want to create some luck for others.”
Stay connected
Your diverse alumni network offers unique opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally. Explore events, lectures, inspiring stories, global groups, and so much more.
-
Find an alumni event
From public lectures to alumni events that keep your community connected across the globe, see what’s on at the University of Melbourne.
-
Find a group
Join a vibrant alumni network in your local area to boost your career, build friendships, or connect with like-minded individuals.
-
Alumni Council
The Alumni Council champions your community worldwide, shaping events, student experience and more. Learn how to get involved.
How can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions or contact the alumni office.
Stay in the know
Learn how to set up your UniMelb account to access perks and discounts.
UniMelb account log in
Access your account to update your personal details and access benefits.