UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program

Connect with an established industry professional and discover potential career opportunities through a mentoring relationship.

UNSW Employability Career Discovery Mentoring Program

Connect with a mentor!

The UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program provides students with the opportunity to discover  potential careers through a mentoring relationship that facilitates greater self-awareness of skills, knowledge, experiences and attributes.

Over the last 12 months, 98% of students indicated they would recommend the program to other students!

The UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program connects UNSW students with established industry professionals, providing students with a significant opportunity to focus on their career development.

During the mentoring program, students will receive guidance from mentors and gain knowledge of industries and sectors, career options, industry trends, workplace culture and dynamics.

Students will have the opportunity to reflect on their experience and learn from their mentor, as well as the opportunity to build personal and professional networks with mentors and fellow mentees. 

Information session

Online, 12pm - 12.30pm Monday 12 February

An online information session that will explain the Career Discovery Mentoring Program. We will also answer any questions you might have about the application process.

Register here

Program dates

Express your interest for the Term 2 2024 Career Discovery Mentoring Program here.

The Term 2 program will be running from 20 May - 12 July.

    • Explore multiple industries/sectors to help discover a career path that’s right for you   

    • Build a relationship with an established industry professional who will provide support and guidance  

    • Build confidence in developing personal and professional networks   

    • Develop employability skills such as: communication, interpersonal skills, leadership and organisational skills  

    • Take part in a program that offers the opportunity to engage 100% online or face to face   

    • Gain  AHEGS accreditation  

    Note: This program is not an internship, work experience or employment and does not meet the requirements for Industrial Training. Our aim is to assist you to develop an awareness of the career options and the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a chosen field.  

  • Am I eligible to be a mentee?

    We welcome and encourage applications from students who: 

    • are in their second or subsequent year of their undergraduate study, or at any stage of their postgraduate degree
    • are enrolled in courses during the program’s duration
    • have an overall WAM of 50 or above and good standing at time of application.

    How are students matched with a mentor?

    The matching process is determined by information provided in the Mentor and Mentee application forms. An algorithm considers the industries and sectors you are interested in exploring and years of professional experience, to match you to a mentor.

    It is important to note, you may not be allocated to a mentor in the exact industry in which you requested; however, we encourage you to be open to an experienced professional who can still provide valuable insights, guidance and possibly their own professional network, having a profound impact on your career development. Once the matching process is finalised, you will be notified via email. 

    What’s involved in becoming a mentee?

    As a mentee, you will be required to undertake a number of mandatory activities including: 

    • attending pre-program training
    • meeting with your mentor for a total of 5 hours (online or in person)
    • reflecting on your mentoring experience.


    Contact

    Email: cdmp@unsw.edu.au

  • Mentoring has the transformative power to shape a student’s life for the better and this is your chance to make further impact in a student’s journey to employment.

    The Career Discovery Mentoring runs three times per year, with Term 1 2024 running between 18 March to 26 April. It requires five hours of your time over six weeks, and can be completed flexibly online or in person.

    For any questions or more information, please contact the Career Discovery Mentoring team at cdmp@unsw.edu.au.

Become a mentor

Share your expertise, knowledge and develop your leadership skills by mentoring UNSW students. 

The Career Discovery Mentoring Program aims to inspire students by connecting them with professionals working across diverse industries and professions.

Mentor applications for Term 2 will open on 2 April. Express your interest to be a mentor here.

Mentees share their experience

It was fundamental in giving me a lot of clarity and confidence....I started from being a clueless job-searcher to someone who landed a graduate role, all within the five weeks of the program.
Riley
Bachelor of Commerce/Science
I learned how useful LinkedIn is. From curating my profile after the program, I have been reached out to by different employers, so it’s been a great medium to meet new people and network.
Anastasia
PhD in Evolutionary Biology,

Mentors share their experience

Through the discussions you have with your mentee, you also reflect on your own career and the path you have taken. It’s very fulfilling to see your mentee take your perspective and ideas with them and put them into action.
Jean
Audit & Insurance Manager
Mentoring played a big role in my career, and I wanted to give something back. It was because of good mentors I was able to launch my career.
Luther
Strategy Lead and Mentor