What is the Business Career Mentor Program?
The Business Career Mentor Program is an innovative scheme pairing UniSA Business students and recent graduates with experienced business professionals to enhance student employability.
What is a mentor?
The purpose of a mentor is to act as a source of information regarding industry experience, knowledge and advice. A mentor can provide guidance relating to career planning, skill development, networking and job search techniques.
Why should I apply?
Having a mentor can be one of the most rewarding professional relationships you'll experience. If you're an undergraduate, exploring your early career options, a mentor can help you to navigate different work options and career pathways. They can help with the development of career skills and professional networks. If you're more mid-career, maybe even preparing for a career transition, you might be feeling the need to upskill. A mentor can support you to develop new skills, broaden your industry networks and refine your career direction.
Am I eligible to apply?
The program is open to:
I graduate mid-year. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply.
I have already graduated. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for up to three years after graduation. You will still have to complete the same requirements as an enrolled student.
What are the requirements of the program?
To successfully complete the program, applicants must commit to:
Can I re-apply if I have participated before?
Yes, but priority will be given to new student applications.
When does the Business Career Mentor Program start?
Applications are open year-round, with main intakes in SP2 and SP5.
How long is the program?
The program runs for 30-weeks, which commences the day you are matched with a mentor.
When can I submit my application?
Applications are always open and can be submitted online, Business Career Mentor Program applications
Acceptance into the Business Career Mentor Program
What does the induction course involve?
The Mentee Induction Course is an online combination of modules designed to develop your understanding around managing your relationship with your mentor, establishing effective goals while in the program and professional networking skills. You can complete the modules on separate occasions, or you can complete the full course at once. In total, it will take approximately 2 hours.
Can I choose my mentor?
No. We ask that you be as detailed as possible when completing your application in order to be matched to the most suitable mentor. The software then uses an algorithm which aligns you to the best match by analysing the data in each participant's profile. Specifically it will look at the career skills you wish to develop, industry exposure and areas of specialisation.
Can my mentor give me work experience?
The purpose of the mentor is to act as a source of information regarding industry experience, knowledge and advice. However, in some circumstances your mentor may be able to offer you a work experience opportunity. Please note this is is not a requirement of the program.
Will I go to my mentor's workplace?
You will most likely meet your mentor in an agreed location such as a cafe. You may be offered the opportunity to see your mentor's work place. However, this is not a guarantee or something to be expected.
How often will I meet with my mentor?
The requirements of the program are a minimum of six, one-hour meetings throughout your mentoring connection. If your mentor is unable to meet face-to-face one time, you can arrange online meetings or email communication instead. This may be more frequent if suitable for the mentor and the student.
What should I do if my mentor is unavailable for a proposed meeting time?
Your mentor is very busy and is taking time out of their day to meet with you. They may have to postpone meetings or make alternative arrangements with you if they are busy.
Do I need insurance?
You will need to complete a contract which shows you understand the requirements of the program and provides insurance for meetings. This will form part of the sign-up process for mentees. Please note if Students are undertaking a project or an internship will need to complete additional paperwork. please contact the business careers team if you have any additional questions.
Am I guaranteed a mentor?
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee you a mentor, even if you are successful in your application. It will depend on the ratio of mentors to students and their specialisations.
Why do I need to submit goals?
You will need to set goals for your mentoring relationship. The goals will establish focus areas for your meetings with your mentor and help maximise the mentoring experience. We suggest taking a draft of your goals to your first meeting and finalising them with your mentor, so you are both on the same page about what you are working towards. Please note, it is completely normal for your goals to change throughout the Program.
Why should I submit reflections?
We encourage students to submit reflections through your online Mentoring Connection Plan following each of your meetings with your mentor. Reflections are a way for you to keep track of your learnings and a record of how far you have come. They are an opportunity for you to reflect back on the discussion that you have throughout the Program with your mentor. From an administrative perspective, reflections allow the Business Careers team to keep track of your mentoring connection to ensure things are going to plan. They also ensure students facing difficulties with their mentor are able to be resolved and that no students are in breech of the Fair Work Act.
Do you read all the reflections submitted?
Yes. A member of the Business Careers team will read your reflection.
Why is it encouraged that I attend at least one connect event or professional development workshop?
These activities will expose you to the importance of engaging in a corporate culture. Networking and professional conversations are learned skills and by attending atleast one of our activities will allow you to practice building relationships and talking to people with a purpose, in a professional setting.
What if I am unable to meet all of the requirements of the program?
If you are ever unsure about being able to complete the requirements of the program, you should contact a member of the Business Careers Mentor Program team to negotiate possible alternative arrangements. You may be able to continue with the program, however you will not receive a certificate of successful completion.