ABP Industry Mentoring Program

About ABP Mentoring

The ABP Industry Mentoring Program gives you a chance to challenge, motivate, inspire and empower the next generation of students through one-to-one mentoring.

The program runs from July until November, and requires mentor and mentee pairs to meet at least three times during the mentoring period. Mentors and students are matched according to study area or degree, career interests and experience.

Applications for the 2023 program are now closed.

If you have questions about the program, please contact the mentoring team at
abp-mentoring@unimelb.edu.au

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< Learn about other mentoring programs Read about mentoring experiences >

Information for Mentors

We are seeking alumni from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning with at least one year of industry experience to share their professional insights and support students from the below areas with the transition from university into their chosen career.

Architecture
Civil Engineering Systems
Computing and Software Systems
Construction
User Experience Design
Graphic Design
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical Engineering Systems
Performance Design
Property
Spatial Systems
Urban Planning
Digital Infrastructure Engineering Systems

The ABP Mentoring Program allows you to enhance your leadership skills and connect with the next generation of graduates from the faculty.

For more information and eligibility, please refer to the Mentor FAQs.

If you have questions about the program, please contact the mentoring team at abp-mentoring@unimelb.edu.au

Read information for mentees Read the policies and procedures

FAQs for Mentors

Have your mentoring questions answered here or contact us for any further assistance.

What might I expect to gain from joining the mentoring program?
- Contribute to the development of the next generation of designers, architects and built environment professionals
- Develop a fresh perspective on your career
- Extend your professional network
- Help to shape the future of your profession and community
- Connect with the next generation of graduates
- Reconnect or develop closer links with the University of Melbourne, ranked #1 in Australia
When does the program run?
- May: Applications for the program open
- June: Matching Process
- Mid-July: Students and alumni will be notified about the outcome of their application and introduced to their partners online.
- Mid-July: Preparation events will be held for matched mentors and mentees
- July-November: Students are encouraged to organise meetings with their mentors. These can take place in person or online.
What are the expectations of a mentor?
As a mentor, you are expected to support and guide your mentee in appropriate ways for their field. Meetings with your student might include:
- Providing a sounding board regarding career planning and development
- Discussing the benefits of extracurricular opportunities
- Introducing your student to colleagues and professional network
- Work shadowing if appropriate (observing)
What are the attributes of a good mentor?
A mentor is someone who is:
- Willing and eager to listen
- Enthusiastic, yet honest
- Open to learning and self-reflection
- Happy to share experiences, both positive and negative
- Supports and listens rather than coaching or lecturing
What are the eligibility requirements?
To join the ABP Mentoring program as a mentor you must:
- Have a minimum of one year of professional work experience.
- Not be currently employed by the University of Melbourne in any role that influences the academic outcomes of students.
- Not be in any position or situation that may be deemed to cause a conflict of interest affecting the results of this program.
What is the time commitment?

Mentors and students are expected to meet at least 3 times between July and the end of November. The mentor and student can determine the exact nature and frequency of these meetings. They may include informal discussions over coffee, attending a public lecture together, and much more.
How will I be matched with a student? 

We will match you with a student based on commonality in your applications. Best efforts will be made to fulfill your preferences but not all preferences can be guaranteed.
Can I choose a student?

No, we will match you with a student taking into consideration the preferences and interests you have provided on your application form. Best efforts will be made to fulfill your preferences but not all preferences can be guaranteed.
Where will I meet my student?

The scheduling of mentor/student meetings is the responsibility of the student and needs to be scheduled at a location and time suitable for both parties. However, it is preferable that students work around the mentor’s schedule.
Please note, there is no requirement for mentors to meet students on campus.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I apply to be a mentor in subsequent years?

Yes. Places in this program are restricted to those that are eligible to apply, and to those that are compatible with the available students. Unfortunately, not all applications will be successful. We are happy to discuss your suitability for the program with you in person.
Where can I get more information?

For further information, please contact the team at abp-mentoring@unimelb.edu.au