FBE Career Mentoring Program

Applications for the 2024 FBE Career Mentoring Program have now closed.

If you have questions about the program, please contact the mentoring team at fbe-cmp@unimelb.edu.au.

About

The Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) Career Mentoring Program connects alumni and industry mentors from a diverse range of business areas with FBE students looking for support to identify and achieve their career goals and development.

The program runs from April to July and requires mentor and mentee pairs to meet at least three times during the mentoring period. Pairs are matched according to study area or degree, career interests and experience.

Information for mentors

We welcome talented local and global alumni from a range of business disciplines and industries to share your expertise with our undergraduate and graduate students to support their career development and transition into the workforce.

As a mentor, you must have a minimum of three years of professional work experience.

The FBE Industry Mentoring Program allows you to enhance your leadership skills and connect with the next generation of graduates.

Program Key Dates

Date

Activity

February

Applications for the program open

March

Matching process

Late March

Students and alumni will be notified about the outcome of their application and introduced to their partners online

Late March

Preparation workshops will be held for matched mentors and mentees

April–July

Students are encouraged to organise meetings with their mentors. These can take place in person or online

If you have questions about the program, please contact the mentoring team at fbe-cmp@unimelb.edu.au.

This is my third year as a mentor – that alone confirms how highly I regard the Career Mentoring Program (CMP). It provides opportunities for both mentor and mentee to develop vital skills applicable to the workplace or generally in life. It’s a fantastic program and I’m a keen advocate of the CMP. Daniel Begala, Senior Private Client Manager, NAB Private, National Australia Bank

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What might I expect to gain from joining the mentoring program as a mentor?
    • Contribute to the development of the next generation of business and economics professionals
    • Inspire the future business community
    • Develop your leadership and mentoring skills
    • Extend your professional network
    • Connect with the next generation of business leaders.
  • Who are the students?

    Bachelor of Commerce and specialist masters students studying in the business fields of Accounting, Econometrics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, International Business, Management and Marketing.

  • When does the program run?
    • February: Applications for the program open
    • March: Matching process
    • Late March: Students and alumni will be notified about the outcome of their application and introduced to their partners online
    • Late March: Preparation workshops will be held for matched mentors and mentees
    • April–July: Students are encouraged to organise meetings with their mentors. These can take place in person or online.
  • What are the expectations of a mentor?

    Mentors challenge, motivate, inspire and encourage mentees to achieve their goals.

    • Help mentees to find their own solutions to problems
    • Challenge mentees' preconceptions and assumptions of themselves and their understanding of professions, career paths and study choices
    • Encourage mentees to build confidence in themselves, their choices and their abilities
    • Are open to sharing their personal experiences and stories
    • Are patient and non-judgemental, providing a safe place to test ideas
    • Are culturally sensitive
    • Practice active listening.
  • What is the time commitment?

    Mentors and students are expected to meet at least three times between April and end of July. The exact nature and frequency of these meetings can be determined between the mentor and student and may include informal meetings over coffee, attending a public lecture together, and much more. Meetings can be face to face, online or via phone.

  • How will I be matched with a student?

    Upon application, both mentors and mentees are assessed for eligibility to take part and then create well-researched matches based on a range of attributes. Best efforts will be made to fulfil your preferences, but not all preferences can be guaranteed.

  • Are there any expected outcomes for students from our mentoring partnership?

    The focus of the program is careers and career pathways. The role of a mentor is to provide wise counsel, listen and challenge assumptions. Mentees look to their mentors to share stories of their career path, success, challenges and provide key advice.

    We expect students to leave the program feeling more knowledgeable about the world of work. Students may set themselves goals such as revising their résumé, gaining interview practice, understanding an industry sector or feeling more confident when speaking with professionals.

  • Am I signing up as an individual or organisation?

    You are signing up as an individual. If you are interested in signing up as an organisation, please contact our expert team via fbe-industryprograms@unimelb.edu.au.