To be accepted into the program you need to meet the eligibility criteria. You also need to submit a detailed application form, which articulates how your motivation for participating in the program aligns with the program objectives.

Each year we have a pool of volunteer alumni mentors from a diverse range of backgrounds. We match students and mentors based on preferences, including industry, study area, and any other criteria indicated. If your preferences do not match the available volunteers or you did not submit a detailed application you may not be matched with a mentor.

The program coordinator will match you with a mentor. You will not be able to choose your mentor, however we do take into consideration the preferences provided on your application form. If you have any questions prior to the matching process, please speak directly to the program coordinator.

We match you with a mentor, based on the information provided, relating to industry, career experience, subject area and more.

You also have the option of talking directly to the program administrator prior to matching to discuss your expectations and what you would like to get out of the mentoring experience.

It is possible, however the aim of the mentoring relationship is to expand your knowledge of career options and the working world. Often you can still learn a lot from a mentor in another field of work, so we ask mentees to keep an open mind.

While you can be prescriptive when completing your application form, please note, if you are very particular about the characteristics and field of work of your mentor it may limit your chances of being matched with an alumni mentor.

Applications for mentees will open on 20 April 2022. 

Students must submit their application by 5pm, 10 May. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Meetings need to be scheduled at a location and time which is suitable for both parties, however it is preferable that mentees work around their mentor’s schedule. 

If you meet the eligibility for several Mentoring at Melbourne programs you can go ahead and register for both programs. Please note that means you may potentially be matched with two mentors.

Students are not automatically eligible for this program, they must apply and be accepted into the program. To be eligible to apply, students must be:
 

• Enrolled in the Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Food Science or Master of Food and Packaging Innovation and,
• Be in their final year of study (ie. intending to graduate at the end of 2022, or mid-2023) and,
• Have a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65% across subjects undertaken in the degree program.

Participation numbers may be limited to the number of mentors that are available. Student applications will be assessed on a variety of criteria including; response to the application questions, WAM and suitability to the available mentors. 

We match you with a student, although please be assured we carefully screen and select students for this program to ensure your mentee is committed and prepared for the experience.

You also have the option of talking directly to the program administrator prior to matching to discuss your expectations, qualifications, work history and what you would like to get out of the mentoring experience.

Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and study areas in degree programs ranging from Agricultural Sciences and Food Science to Food Packaging and Innovation.

Yes, though in some cases we may not have students who meet your exact requirements. If this happens, you can choose to wait until the next intake when you will have the option to indicate this on the registration form.

No, there is no requirement for you to come onto campus, however you have the option to attend workshops and networking events if you wish. Meetings with your mentee need to be scheduled at a location and time which is suitable for you, and will most likely take place online by video conference.

• At least three meetings with the student
• Email correspondence with the student (frequency can be negotiated with mentee in your first meeting)
• Optional attendance at mentor training workshop

Applications will open on 29 April 2022.

Mentor applications must be submitted by 5pm, Friday 17 June.