For Mentors
Mentors in our program often tell us they find the role an enjoyable and fulfilling one. Apart from having a positive impact on the next generation, mentoring can give you a new perspective on your career and help to reconnect you to the University of Melbourne. Mentors in this program need to be alumni of the University of Melbourne, currently employed with at least one year of professional work experience. University of Melbourne academics and professional staff who have been with the University for over 12 months are also eligible.
Students in our program are studying one of our undergraduate degrees and therefore are interested in meeting mentors from a diverse range of careers.
 |
The benefits of mentoring
Mentoring is often a rewarding experience and a chance to reflect on your own journey, skills and knowledge. Other benefits include to:
- Enhance your coaching and leadership skills
- Develop a fresh perspective on your career
- Help to shape the future of your profession and community
- Connect with the next generation of graduates
- Support your mentee to identify and achieve their career goals and develop confidence
- Reconnect or develop closer links with the University of Melbourne.
What kind of students might I be mentoring?
Students in this program are in their second or third year of an undergraduate degree in any discipline. To be eligible for the program, students must have been awarded a place under the Access Melbourne special entry scheme during the admission process.
The Access Melbourne special entry scheme helps to break down barriers of educational disadvantage by supporting students who have faced unique circumstances to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne. Access Melbourne students have been identified as meeting the eligibility criteria and at least one special circumstance. Narrm Scholars come under the Access Melbourne scheme.
We aim to provide opportunities to students from greater levels of disadvantage first, however we do not preclude students from lower levels of disadvantage from applying (this might include students who grew up in a rural area but did not face financial hardship).
Program structure and matching process
This program is facilitated by University staff who will support you and your mentee throughout the program.
Program Structure
- The program runs from July to November with participants meeting at least 3-4 times over the course of 5 months
- The frequency of meetings is negotiated between mentor and mentee in the initial meeting
- Students are responsible for driving the communication and will initiate the first contact
- Meetings can take place where and when it is convenient for you
Matching Process
When matching you with a student we will take into consideration your experience including industry, field of study and specialisations/major and personal preference for the gender of your mentoring partner. Students also submit their mentoring preferences in these areas. Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and study areas. While this program is aimed at supporting students from under-represented backgrounds it is important to note that this is a broad definition and is not restricted to economic disadvantage.
Key dates
| Monday 28 April | Mentor applications open |
| Sunday 8 June | Mentor applications close |
| Week commencing Monday 14 July | Partnerships announced |
| Week commencing Monday 21 July | Mentor Preparation Workshop |
| July-November | Regular meetings with your mentee. Mentoring resources and support will be provided throughout the partnership to ensure mentoring goals can be achieved. |
| Late November | Program ends |
What should I expect from my mentee?
A beneficial and rewarding mentoring relationship is often dependent on a mentee's initiative to engage with their mentor. We require mentees to demonstrate their commitment and interest in the program prior to matching them with a mentor. Student mentees participate in a preparation workshop where they consider their state of career readiness, career goals and as a result, identify specific topics to discuss with their mentor. As a general guideline, we expect that mentees will:
- Initiate communications with their mentor after a partnership is announced
- Meet the general meeting requirement for the program (at least 3 meetings)
- Consider topics of discussion and questions before each meeting
- Be punctual to meetings
- Communicate regularly and promptly with their mentor (based on agreement)
- Honour commitments
- Be respectful of the mentoring relationship and communicate in a courteous manner
- Keep shared information confidential.
The mentor's role
Mentors guide, challenge, motivate, inspire and empower their mentees. As a mentor, you'll work with the mentee to identify where they need greater insight and understanding. Mentors should be open to sharing their personal experiences and knowledge. It's through this exchange that students develop a better understanding of the professional world and the ability to make informed decisions on career paths and strategies post–study. Mentors will:
- Provide guidance to students around self-reliance, motivation and confidence
- Provide insight into particular professional fields and networks
- Provide a safe place for discussion without judgement
- Challenge assumptions and preconceptions about career paths and how to succeed
- Encourage self-directed reflection, analysis and problem solving.
More information
Read our FAQs for more information about the program. For any other questions, please contact the Program Officer via email at access-connections@unimelb.edu.au.
Last updated: 3 March 2025.
