The Graduate Centre Career Mentor Program allows you to connect with a motivated student and nurture a future member of your profession by supporting their transition from university to the workplace.
A mentor is a guide. An industry friend. A person who helps others succeed. The role of a mentor is to inspire, encourage, and support a student mentee, contributing to their development through thoughtful conversation and consultation.
The mentor provides valuable knowledge, skills and information gained from years of professional experience and are dedicated to nurturing the new generation of industry professionals.
A mentee is a student looking to benefit from their mentor’s knowledge and guidance to assist with the transition between university and the workplace. They are responsible for their own learning and as such, often drive the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the time commitments?
The Career Mentor Program officially commences semester 2 each year and, as a general guide,
mentors and students make contact for approximately one hour each fortnight. This may very during
busy times and each pair will determine their own mentoring schedule based on their individual
availability.
In what form does contact usually take place?
Contact can include face-to-face meetings (including work visits or coffee catch-ups), emails,
telephone calls, Skype or facilitating work exposure within the industry. Each pair will negotiate the
type of contact that will work most effectively for their mentoring relationship and individual
schedules.
What if I can’t give the student work experience?
Work experience is not an automatic part of the Career Mentor Program and no promise of
employment is made or sought in a mentoring relationship. However, mentors are welcome to offer
work experience to their mentee and UQ insurance covers students for unpaid work experience if
this eventuates.
What level of involvement does UQ have?
UQ offers support by the Graduate Centre Manager who manages the Career Mentor Program
throughout the year and is available to advise and assist mentors.
Please contact the Graduate Centre Manager at any time throughout the year to discuss any
concerns or questions you may have, or to let us know how you are going with your mentoring
relationship.
Diana McCluskey
Graduate Centre Manager
Graduate Centre in Governance and International Affairs
Ph: 07 3443 3125
Email: polsis.gradcentre@uq.edu.au
Mentor Expression of Interest form
Please send completed forms to polsis.gradcentre@uq.edu.au