FAQs
About the Career Mentor Scheme
• When does the Scheme begin?
• What is the time frame?
• Is this work experience?
• What role does QUT play?
Participation in the Career Mentor Scheme.
• Why do students participate?
• Am I eligible to participate?
• How is my GPA Information used?
• How do I register?
• Which disciplines are involved?
• Why am I registered under a different discipline from what I study?
• I have not heard whether I have been allocated a mentor. When can I expect to be notified of the outcome?
• Am I guaranteed a mentor?
• What if I miss out on a mentor?
• Am I covered by insurance?
• What if I am studying a double degree?
• What if I graduate mid-year?
• What if I am a part-time student?
• What if I am an international student?
• What if I am a postgraduate student?
• Can I participate in the Scheme more than once?
About mentors
• What do mentors do?
• Why do mentors participate?
• How do I locate my mentor's details?
• Can I find out what mentors are involved in the Scheme ?
• I have approached someone to be my mentor. How do they become involved?
Your responsibilities.
• What are my responsibilities?
• What if I cannot attend one of the nominated briefing sessions?
• What are the time commitments?
• What evaluations do I complete?
• Are e-Portfolio reflections compulsory?
Your mentoring relationship.
• I do not feel that my interests align with that of my mentors. Can I be reassigned an alternative mentor?
• I cannot contact my mentor.
• I need to send my mentor a copy of my resume. Can I get some assistance with my resume?
About the Career Mentor Scheme
The Career Mentor Scheme officially runs from April until November each year. Mentoring matches continue throughout the year as new mentors become available and mentoring relationships can begin at any time a match is identified by the Coordinator and the student completes the registration requirements.
Students must attend a compulsory briefing session (held throughout March) before a mentor can be allocated. Once a mentor has been assigned to a student, the mentor's contact details will be posted to the student after the briefing session and the student should contact their mentor as soon as possible to set up the first mentoring meeting.
Students and mentors will also be invited to a networking launch function, to be held shortly after they attend the briefing session. Dates for these functions will be advised to students and further information can be found under key dates. If possible students should meet their mentors before this event and attend with their mentors.
The Scheme runs for approximately one university year (March until November) for the full year Scheme. If you graduate mid-year then you are still eligible to participate and will be covered by QUT insurance for as long as you have a QUT virtual log-in (approximately six months after you graduate).
The Scheme is a negotiation between you and your mentor however, as a pair you may decide to end the relationship earlier than that date. Extensions must be approved by the Career Mentor Scheme Coordinator.
The QUT Career Mentor Scheme is not a work experience program and no promise of employment is made or sought in a mentoring relationship. However, work experience may result from the mentor relationship and QUT insurance will be able to cover students for the duration if this eventuates.
QUT offers support by providing a full-time coordinator who is available to advise and assist mentors and students with any issues that may arise. The coordinator will also conduct progress reports and an end-of-year evaluation of the Scheme .
QUT will make the initial match between mentors and students and facilitate contact between both parties. Briefing sessions will be held to in order to ensure that students and mentors are prepared and have clarity on their goals and expectations as well as a discussion of useful activities for the Scheme . Other materials will also be provided to both parties in order to aid the mentoring process.
Participation in the Career Mentor Scheme.
• Industry contact - links with industry professionals;
• Industry discussions - discuss key industry trends/issues and specific industry challenges from an insider’s perspective;
• Networking opportunities - through functions and contacts provided by your mentor;
• Advice and feedback - on topics such as applications and resumes, comments on your current employment finding practices and advice on study and/or future specialisations;
• Career development - ask about career path prospects and advice about companies and positions;
• Develop relationships - build a friendship, increase opportunity for good references and referees;
• Real workplaces - possibility of workplace visits, work shadowing and/or work experience.
To be eligible to participate in the Career Mentor Scheme you must:
• Have a current enrollment in a QUT course for the year you are applying for;
• Have a GPA above 4;
• Be studying within the discipline for which you are applying for a mentor;
• Have completed a minimum of 96 credit points of an undergraduate degree; OR be currently enrolled in a postgraduate degree.
Whilst every effort will be made to find you a mentor within your professional interest, no guarantee is made that a mentor will be found for every student. If you wish to discuss anything further, please contact Careers and Employment on 07 3138 2687 or email mentor@qut.edu.au.
Grade Point Average (GPA) is requested not to include or exclude any students, but as an entry screening tool. The matching process is via a combination of professional interests and location rather than GPA. Students are required to have a minimum of GPA 4.0 in order to be involved in the Career Mentor Scheme.
How do I update my details in the system?
You can update your registration details on your CareerHub profile. You can also update your contact details (postal address, phone number, email) at any time via QUT Virtual.
Which disciplines are involved?
Business
Accountancy
Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations
Finance and Economic
Human Resource Management
International Business
MBA
Management
Creative Industries
Acting and Technical Production
Animation
Creative Writing and Literary Studies
Dance
Digital Media
Drama
Entertainment Industries
Fashion
Film, TV and Screen
Indigenous Creative Industries
Interactive and Visual Design
Journalism, Media and Communication
Music and Sound
Education
Early childhood education
Primary education
Secondary education
Health
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Exercise and Movement Science
Health Information Management
Health Services Management
Psychology
Nutrition and Dietetics
Paramedic
Podiatry
Public Health
Social Work and Human Services
Nursing
Optometry
Radiography
Built Environment and Engineering
Architecture
Construction Management
Engineering
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Urban and Regional Planning
Property Economics
Quantity Surveying
Spatial Science
Women in Engineering
Science and Technology
Applied Science
Information Technology
Library Information Management
Mathematics
Pharmacy
Biomedical science
Law and Justice
Justice Studies
Law
How am I matched with a mentor?
Allocations take place throughout March and April and are designated by the Career Mentor Scheme Coordinator in conjunction with a faculty contact (where available). Matches are predominately achieved using the student’s stated professional interests. We endeavour to match you with a suitable mentor who has professional expertise in your area of interest. While every effort is made to ensure your professional interests align, in some cases this is not possible. If this is the case, we ask you to utilise your mentors’ networks and to focus on the common ground you do have. Also focus on the general activities your allocated mentor can assist with such as resume critiquing, interview techniques, networking, and an overview of their experience in the industry.
When registering for the Scheme please take the time to clearly articulate your professional interests. This will improve your chances of being allocated a suitable mentor.
Why am I registered under a different discipline from what I study?
In some situations the coordinator will change the discipline that you initially registered under. This occurs when a mentor has been identified, that is suitable for you, but is registered under another discipline. If this occurs the coordinator changes your discipline to the mentor’s discipline. This is simply a system requirement to allow a match to be made and in no way impacts on you or makes your registration inaccurate.
I have not heard whether I have been allocated a mentor. When can I expect to be notified of the outcome?
The first round of mentor/student allocations occur between March and April. You will be notified via email and post (between these dates) if you have been allocated.
Please check your student email otherwise you will not receive this notification.
If you are unable to be matched in the first round of allocations your registration will be kept active and you will be advised when a suitable match arises.
If you register for the Scheme after the semester 1 intake (April onwards) you may have to wait for the mid-year allocations that occur in July of each year. If registering from August/September onwards, due to the minimal amount of time left in the Scheme (and a minimal amount of mentors left available), a match cannot be guaranteed. If we are able to find a suitable match we will notify you via email and post.
While every effort is made to match you, it is not always possible and therefore a match cannot be guaranteed. It is dependent on the number of students that register within the discipline to the number of mentors we have available for that year.
What if I miss out on a mentor?
We can not guarantee a match as part of the Career Mentor Scheme. Sometimes the demand for mentors exceeds the amount of mentors we have available. If we are unable to match you we will notify you via email.
The Career Mentor Scheme Coordinator is continually recruiting mentors in to the Scheme so if you miss out on a mentor in the initial matching round, your registration will be kept active for the remainder of the year, in case a suitable mentor for you becomes available.
QUT maintains 4 types of insurance policies that cover students while they are involved in the Scheme -
• Personal Accident,
• Professional Indemnity and
• Public Liability.
• Medical Malpractice
For more information on the policies, please refer to Insurance under the Career Mentor Scheme heading.
What if I am studying a double degree?
Double degree students are eligible to join the Career Mentor Scheme in the relevant year level for each degree. Students need to chose for which discipline that they wish to have a mentor.
For example, law is open to third year (penultimate year) students and journalism is open to final year students. A student undertaking a double degree in law and journalism can apply to join the Scheme in their final year of their journalism part of their degree and in the third year of their law degree.
Students are still eligible to be involved even if they graduate mid-year. Students participating in the Career Mentor Scheme are covered under QUT's insurance for as long as they have a QUT Virtual log-in, which lasts for approximately another six months after they graduate. The Career Mentor Scheme insurance will extend for students until this time.
What if I am a part-time student?
As a part-time student currently enrolled in a course at QUT, you are eligible for the Scheme . Students participating in the Career Mentor Scheme are covered under QUT's insurance for as long as they have a QUT Virtual log-in, which lasts for approximately another six months after they graduate. The Career Mentor Scheme insurance will extend for students until this time.
What if I am an international student?
As an international student currently enrolled in a course at QUT, you are eligible for the Scheme. Students participating in the Career Mentor Scheme are covered under QUT's insurance for as long as they have a QUT Virtual log-in, which lasts for approximately another six months after they graduate. The Career Mentor Scheme insurance will extend for students until this time.
In 2011 the Career Mentor Scheme will have a limited number of international mentors for international students to be matched with a mentor from their home country. Matches will be made based on country of origin and discipline.
What if I am a postgraduate student?
Post-graduate students are eligible for the Scheme . Students participating in the Career Mentor Scheme are covered under QUT's insurance for as long as they have a QUT Virtual log-in, which lasts for approximately another six months after they graduate. The Career Mentor Scheme insurance will extend for students until this time.
Can I participate in the Scheme more than once?
Provided that you fulfil the eligibility requirements there is no limit to the number of times you can register to participate in the Scheme .
Please note: If there is a high demand for mentors within your discipline, priority will be given to final year students as they will not have another opportunity to participate in the Scheme .
About mentors
A mentor is a person who has knowledge, skills, information, and experience in their chosen industry and is willing and able to share these in order to help the mentee’s professional growth.
Mentors prepare students for work after graduation by providing them with an appreciation of the workplace culture and the challenges of the profession. Mentors offer their time to provide support and may assume the role of a career coach, confidant, counsellor, correspondent, consultant or coach. A mentor also acts as an adviser and resource person.
• Personal satisfaction - being able to offer guidance and support to an enthusiastic student;
• University course content - opportunity to keep up to date with contemporary issues and new learning;
• Sourcing of students - for employment or work experience purposes;
• Networking opportunities - with both mentors and students within their field;
• Links with QUT - establishing or maintaining links with the university;
• Personal self development - reflective practice allows mentors to consolidate their own skills and knowledge;
• Management skills development - managerial practice for those currently in or aspiring to management positions. Mentors often include this experience in their professional development or on their resume;
• QUT Visitor Card - mentors can obtain a card allowing access to library borrowing facilities and QUT databases.
How do I locate my mentor’s details?
Once you have been allocated a mentor you will be able to access your mentor’s details via CareerHub. These details are the most up to date and accurate.
Can I find out which mentors are involved in the Scheme ?
Due to confidentiality we are unable to release personal information. We do however hold a number of functions throughout the year that will provide you with opportunities to meet other mentors in your discipline area.
I have approached someone to be my mentor. How do they become involved?
If you wish to source your own mentor, in most cases, we can accommodate this. It is a requirement for your mentor to register for the Scheme via CareerHub. This will formalise the mentoring relationship and enable both parties to take advantage of the benefits offered to participants in the Scheme (insurance, invitations to networking events etc).
If your potential mentor requires further information regarding the Scheme please direct them to the mentor information on our website or ask them to contact the Career Mentor Scheme Coordinator on 07 3138 2687 or email mentor@qut.edu.au.
Please ensure that you notify the Career Mentor Scheme Coordinator of your mentors name so that you are allocated to one another upon registering.
Your responsibilities.
Students are asked to give a commitment for the duration of the full year in order to form an ongoing relationship with their mentor - this includes:
• attending a briefing session,
• making the initial contact with your mentor,
• attending mentor functions,
• and driving the relationship throughout the year
Students will ideally take most of the responsibility for their self-directed learning and exploration. Students are encouraged to make suggestions about the type of activities that they would like to be involved in. Example activities will be provided in the briefing session and are also listed under the activities section of this site.
Other responsibilities:
• taking time to contact and meet mentor, both in the initial stages and on an on-going basis;
• working to foster the mentoring relationship;
• writing down goals before meeting a mentor and being willing to openly discuss these goals at the first meeting;
• communicating expectations, needs and feelings;
• developing a trusting 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;
• trying to implement mentor suggestions.
What if I cannot attend one of the nominated briefing sessions?
Briefing sessions are compulsory for all students to attend. If you are unable to attend your nominated session (which you choose when registering) please ensure that you book into an alternative session. If you do not attend a session you will be withdrawn from the Scheme . In exceptional circumstances please contact the coordinator to make alternative arrangements.
What are the time commitments?
Contact time is a negotiation between both parties and will vary depending on the needs of the student and the availability of all involved.
As a general guide, mentors and students make contact for approximately one hour each fortnight; including face to face meetings, workplace visits, emails, telephone calls or facilitating work exposure within the industry.
What evaluations do I complete?
At the completion of the Career Mentor Scheme, students are required to complete five reflections about their mentoring experience via the QUT e-portfolio. Students will also have the opportunity to provide feedback about the Scheme through a mid year and end of year evaluation.
• Four weeks after the launch students will receive a one page progress report, ensuring that the relationship is progressing on track;
• At the end of the year (November) students will be sent a one page survey asking for feedback on the Scheme.
Students can contact the Career Mentor Scheme Coordinator at any time throughout the year if they have concerns, issues or feedback relating to their mentor.
Are the e-Portfolio reflections compulsory?
The reflective journal entries are not compulsory however you will need to complete all five reflections in order to receive the Certificate of Participation and the Letter of Reference from the Head of Careers and Employment at the culmination of the Scheme .
The reflections are one paragraph in length (a total of five paragraphs) and the purpose is to reflect on what you have achieved throughout the year from your mentoring relationship. They are designed for you to identify whether or not you have achieved the objectives that you set at the beginning of the Scheme . It also gives you recorded examples of how you are demonstrating personal and professional skills which will assist you when applying for positions, updating your resume, and selection criteria etc. Further information will be provided to students at the Career Mentor Scheme briefing sessions.
Your mentoring relationship
I do not feel that my interests align with that of my mentors. Can I be reassigned an alternative mentor?
As a general rule we do not reassign students. We assign mentors based firstly on a students selected discipline and secondly on a students stated professional interests. The Career Mentor Scheme is about connecting students with industry. In the situation where your assigned mentor does not possess the exact professional experience that you were seeking, they should still be viewed as an invaluable contact. Mentors may be able to introduce you to colleagues that work in the area you are interested in.
If you have not received an email return in the first instance we would suggest that you contact your mentor directly via phone. Remember that mentors are often overwhelmed by many emails during the day and may struggle to give a timely response. Therefore phoning may be a more effective method of contact.
If after multiple attempts and after you have exhausted all of the contact options (phone, email, fax) please notify the coordinator.
I need to send my mentor a copy of my resume. Can I get some assistance with my resume?
QUT Careers and Employment provides a resume feedback service.