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 connect you to current research in your field at 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 three 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:
- 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.
The 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
- Participants meet at least 3-4 times over the course of 4 months
- Extend your professional network
- 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
- Option to participate in networking events with other participants
- Option to extend the relationship at the end of mentoring period
Matching Process:
When matching you with a student we will take into consideration your personal preferences including gender, area of work and study and the Career Readiness stage of the students. Students also submit their applications with mentoring preferences which will be used to match them with a mentor in the program.
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.
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. Students must participate in a preparation workshop where they discuss their career goals and are asked to identify topics to discuss with their mentor.
As a general guideline, we expect that mentees will:
- Initiate communications with their mentor after a partnership is communicated
- 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 challenge, motivate, inspire and empower their mentees. Mentors empower students to make positive changes in their lives. The role of the mentor is to work with the mentee to identify where they need greater insight and understanding. Mentors need to be open to sharing their personal experiences and knowledge. It is 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:
- 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
If you would like any further information about mentoring in general, please contact the Mentoring Program Coordinator via email: access-connections@unimelb.edu.au.
Last updated: 18th April 2024.
