Get mentored by industry leaders and discover your dream career

The UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program is a unique opportunity for students to connect with established industry professionals and discover potential career opportunities. Throughout the program, students receive guidance and support from their mentors as they explore different industries and sectors, develop their employability skills, and build professional networks.

Gain a career mentor in your chosen field from early on in your degree
Explore multiple sectors and discover the career path that is right for you
Get your foot in the door with real-world connections

Mentee and mentor testimonial

I decided to join the Career Discovery Mentorship Program as I believe it can offer a range of benefits that can be valuable both in my academic, personal and professional development.

  • Having guidance from a mentor who has more experience and expertise in the field and industry I want to pursue in the future has provided me with valuable insights, advice and wisdom that are currently helping me navigate challenges and issues to improve my decision-making process.

    Additionally, I believe a mentorship program brings the opportunity to develop specific skill sets, whether it's related to your career, leadership, or personal growth. It can provide targeted training and feedback to help you improve in all the areas of interest, which made it more appealing for me to apply and join this experience.

  • Increased Confidence: Having a career coach who believes in my abilities and supports my growth, has boosted my confidence. This, in turn, leads to better performance and decision-making regarding my career pathways.

    Insider Knowledge: My mentor provides me with insights into the inner workings of the industry, which might not be readily available to others. This career development gives me a competitive edge, and the possibility to ask as many questions as I can, to broaden that knowledge.

    Career Advancement: My mentor helped me set my career goals, whether it’s improving my application documents, soft and hard management skills that I should look into, activities and articles I should look into to continue growing, etc. They provide me with the guidance to move forward in my career planning and to feel sure about the path I am pursuing.

    These insights and security rose from all our face-to-face coaching sessions and the autonomous work I have been doing alongside him, and I am truly grateful for his guidance.

  • I believe this program has shed light on what I want my career to be like, and it has helped me take those first steps to work towards career success. For current students who want to join, just remember that seeking career advice and guidance is one of the best ways to learn. What mentors seek is to help you become the best possible version of yourself. It can also be highly beneficial for personal and professional growth. They offer access to guidance, knowledge, and support that can help you advance your cover letter and develop as an individual. If you have specific goals or challenges in mind, finding a mentor who aligns with your needs can be a transformative experience.

UNSW
Sofia López Moreno 
Bachelor of Commerce

 

Shawn Senaratne 
Program Mentor

I am Shawn Senaratne, currently serving as a Director of Technology Advisory within Telco and ICT field.

  • My educational journey includes a strong foundation in Information Technology, marked by a bachelor’s degree in IT. Building upon this, I pursued a postgraduate Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialisation in Digital Technologies, enhancing my understanding of the intersection between technology and business. To stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech landscape, I also engaged in executive education programs, delving into areas such as Business Innovation, Ethics and responsibility in Technology, Adaptive Leadership, and Disruptive Innovation from esteemed business institutions like UNSW, IE Business School & INSEAD. My continuous pursuit of knowledge led me to attain a recent achievement in 'Developing AI Strategy' from RMIT, enriching my expertise in crafting innovative strategies through the application of AI and Machine Learning propositions.

  • I enthusiastically joined the University Career Discovery Mentoring Program at UNSW with a deep sense of gratitude. Being in a position where I have gathered valuable work experiences and insights throughout my career, I felt a strong calling to give back. Serving as a mentor provides me with the privilege of guiding and inspiring the next generation of professionals. It allows me to share my knowledge, offer valuable advice, and help students explore their passions and potential career paths. Witnessing the transformation and growth of these young minds as they navigate their professional journeys is incredibly fulfilling. 

  • Engaging in the Career Discovery Mentoring Program has been a profoundly enriching experience. It has enabled me to refine my mentoring skills and enhance my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Mentoring relationships hone my capacity to empathise and understand the unique challenges faced by emerging professionals. Additionally, being part of this program has given me fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, often shared by the mentees, enriching my understanding of the evolving landscape of technology and business. 

  • My advice is to embrace the opportunity passionately. Mentoring is not just about sharing knowledge; it's about fostering meaningful connections and making a real difference in someone's life. Be open-minded and patient, understanding that every mentee is on their unique journey. Listen actively, encourage curiosity, and be a guiding light. Remember, the impact you make might not be immediately visible, but the knowledge and guidance you instil today can lead to extraordinary achievements tomorrow. As a mentor, your role is not just to impart wisdom, but also to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders. Your investment in their growth will ripple through time, shaping the future of your field. 


Whatever stage you’re at right now, keep in mind that there are no wrong decisions.

The degree you pick will set you on the path towards your future career. That path may be linear or take a few twists and turns, but either way, the outcome is the same - your time at uni will help you find out more about yourself, your passions and what you want out of your future. Get ready to take your place at UNSW.  

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 Want to find out more about UNSW?

Our Future Student Advisers know what it’s like to be in your position - just a short time ago, they were there too. Get in touch with them to get all your questions answered. We’re here to help.