About being a Mentee - for UWA Students

Career Mentor Link gives you access to 'real world' insights from an industry professional who is interested in helping you develop your career. It is important to note that Career Mentor Link is not a work experience or paid employment programme. It is a mentoring relationship focused on identifying your career goals and developing your job-seeking skills.

Eligible Students

Career Mentor Link is available to any student currently enrolled at UWA who has completed at least 1 year of study.

Ideally you should be enrolled for the full 2010 academic year to participate.

By participating in Career Mentor Link you are likely to:

• Develop practical skills and confidence to enter your chosen profession
• Build personal and professional networks
• Increase your understanding of the industry and gain exposure to current professional practices and trends
• Be able to link academic study to industry realities
• Broaden your knowledge of the career options open to you
• Learn what employers are looking for when they hire graduates
• Practice the skills needed to access employment

What makes a good mentee?

The characteristics of a good mentee include:

• Open to new ideas, suggestions and feedback
• Willing to have a go and try out different things
• Commited to self development and achievement of career goals
• Able to give and receive constructive and honest feedback
• Skilled with good organisational and time management skills
• Willing to take the initative, to communicate needs, desires and expectations

Expected Time Commitment

The 2010 Career Mentor Link programme runs over the academic year, from April to October. The amount of time is not onerous and usually involves some email and phone contact and a few face-to-face meetings.

At a minimum, mentees are expected to participate in the following ways:

• Attend an Introductory Workshop (mandatory)
• Attend the launch function to meet their mentor
• After the launch function, meet face-to-face at least 2 times over the duration of programme
• Maintain monthly telephone and/or email contact
• Attend the end of programme function
• Complete and submit a mid-programme evaluation
• Complete and submit an end of programme evaluation

Mentee Responsibilities

Mentees are expected to:

• Complete the Mentoring Agreement in conjunction with the mentor
• Agree on a regular, mutually convenient contact schedule
• Advise mentor if unable to attend scheduled meetings
• Observe confidentiality and personal / professional boundaries
• Be receptive to feedback and suggestions from the mentor
• Explore own strengths and weaknesses and set relevant goals
• Fulfil commitments as agreed or negotiate changes
• Complete and submit program reports and evaluations by due dates
• Take up opportunities for networking and building professional relationships
• Contact the Career Mentor Link Co-ordinator if any concerns arise

Registration Process

NB: The registration process for the 2010 programme will open in October 2009.

There are 3 steps to the registration process for students:

1. Complete the Expression of Interest form
2. Attend a compulsory pre-programme workshop (These will be held in February and March 2010. Please book in via the Events and Workshops section on CareerHub)
3. Complete a registration form and submit it with a copy of your resume

Queries?

If you have any queries which weren't answered on this page, check out the Frequently Asked Questions.