About the Scheme

The Career Mentor Scheme provides the opportunity for industry professionals to invest in tomorrow’s real world professionals.

Once you become part of the Career Mentor Scheme, you will be matched with a student who will become your ‘mentee’ for the duration of the academic year (typically from April until November). The Scheme facilitates a relationship between mentee and mentor to assist the student’s transition from study in to the workforce.

Evaluations have consistently indicated the great benefits derived by both mentors and mentees, particularly in enhancing the student’s career development.

Responsibilities

Mentors and mentees have equal responsibility for the welfare and value of their relationship. Suggested responsibilities to facilitate this relationship are as follows:

Mentor:

• Acting as a source of information and/or insight into the occupational field;
• Counselling regarding career development or strategies for achieving professional goals;
• Assisting with personal goal setting and planning;
• Teaching specific skills including job seeking strategies and resume writing;
• Listening with an open mind, challenging and encouraging the exploration of ideas;
  Encouraging professional behaviour;
  Facilitating self-directed learning;
• Providing feedback on observed performance;
• Coaching for effective coping strategies.
  

Mentee:

• Taking time to contact and meet mentor, both in the initial stages and on an ongoing basis;
• Working to foster the mentoring relationship;
• Thinking about goals before meeting a mentor and being willing to openly discuss these goals with their mentor;
• Communicating expectations, needs and feelings;
• Developing a trust relationship and sharing concerns;
• Negotiating activities in order to obtain goals;
• Embracing learning and exploration with enthusiasm and commitment;
  Being willing to listen and when appropriate take advice and also giving feedback on each session;
• Learning to accept feedback and use it positively.

For more information about the Scheme, see the Career Mentor Scheme Brochure (PDF 1MB).