How are mentors selected to be connected?
Based on the profile you will create, which will include your course area, career aspirations and key interests, the mentoring team will connect you with a mentor who aligns closely with you.
How long is the mentoring program?
Mentoring partnerships run for 12 weeks. The number of meetings you have is negotiated with your mentor and is flexible, however we do encourage a minimum of 3-4 meetings across the 12 weeks. Mentors and mentees can negotiate to meet more frequently, and contact can take place via email, video conferencing or telephone.
What can I expect a mentor to provide?
Career related support can range from: setting career goals, shaping career direction, job search and application advice, how to deal with workplace challenges, networking opportunities, interview techniques and job shadowing. We encourage you to discuss these options with your mentors to tailor your experience.
Can I have more than one mentor?
La Trobe students are able to participate in one mentoring round during their studies*. Further correspondence with your mentor after the conclusion of the round may be negotiated privately between you and your mentor.
*In some cases, a second round may be possible, to discuss your options contact the mentoring team via email mentoring@latrobe.edu.au
When can I register?
We accept applications all year. Once you register, you will be considered for the next round of mentoring.
Will I be matched in the upcoming Mentoring Round?
We endeavour to recruit mentees and mentors into the program in equal measures to maximise appropriate matches for each mentoring round. Please note that in some instances we may have a surplus of either students or mentors and they will not receive a match in that round. In this scenario, preference will be given to these participants in the next mentoring round.
What if I have concerns about an aspect of my mentoring partnership?
If you feel comfortable, we encourage you to discuss any areas of concern regarding the mentoring partnership with your Mentor first. If you are unable to resolve this between you and your Mentor, then you can seek support and advice from the mentoring team via email mentoring@latrobe.edu.au
What resources can I access for mentoring?
Upon registration, you will get access to the mentoring platform, including the available resources, such as goal setting support, tips on communicating, networking and activities for mentees and mentors for you to get the best from your mentoring partnership. The mentoring team will also engage with you via email to provide further resources, seek feedback and invite you to career related professional development opportunities.
Where should mentoring take place?
This should be negotiated between mentor and student. As our mentors are often busy full-time workers, we have an expectation for mentees to be as flexible as possible. Often in person mentoring meetings will be in locations such as coffee shops near the mentors' workplace.* If location or schedules don't line up, there is also the option to engage over video conferencing.
* Mentoring meetings should not take place in a residential home or any workplaces where the key clientele are minors.
Do I get academic credit points for participating in the Career Ready Mentoring program?
Students participate in the Industry Mentoring program voluntarily to take advantage of the support and guidance offered by experienced industry professionals. Whilst students do not receive academic credit points for participation, the program does contribute towards the Career Ready Advantage Award, as a Practical Experience, which can appear on your transcript.
How will I be matched with a student?
Based on the profile you create, mentoring staff will match you according to close alignment of education and qualifications, career aspiration and other interests.
When can I apply?
We accept mentor applications year-round. Once you register, you will be considered for the next round of mentoring.
What am I expected to do?
In this program, the mentee is tasked with driving the relationship forward by setting specific learning goals and tasks. Your role is to be available to them during the program period to share your experience, knowledge, and perspective on their chosen areas of development, future profession and industry.
What is the time commitment for the program?
Mentoring partnerships run for 12 weeks. The structure of meetings you have (frequency, method etc.) is negotiated with your mentee and is flexible to suit you both, however we do encourage a minimum of 3-4 meetings across the 12 weeks.
Will I be matched in the upcoming Mentoring Round?
We endeavour to recruit mentees and mentors into the program in equal measures to maximise appropriate matches for each mentoring round. Please note that in some instances we may have a surplus of either students or mentors and they will not receive a match in that round. In this scenario, preference will be given to these participants in the next mentoring round.
Prior to each round, we will contact you to confirm your availability.
Who are the students?
The program is open to all La Trobe students over the age of 18. Students are required to join the program by first building a profile within the mentoring platform. Once this is done, students must attend a briefing session. Following this we will consider matches in the upcoming round.
Where should the mentoring take place?
This is for you and your mentee to negotiate. Our students are briefed to be as flexible as possible, and they are encouraged to travel to a place of your convenience. Often this will be a workplace, or a coffee shop nearby. Video conferencing meetings are also encouraged if you are unable to find a place to meet that works for both participants.
What if my mentee is experiencing a stressful time?
Academic and professional life can be very stressful for some students. Mentors, however, are not intended to serve as mental health professionals, legal professionals, or parents. The university can provide various resources that can assist with personal issues and difficult times. If at any time the mentoring relationship is extending beyond what you are comfortable with, please feel free to contact the Mentoring Program Coordinator via mentoring@latrobe.edu.au who will refer your mentee to the appropriate support services.