ABP Industry Mentoring Program

Connecting students and industry professionals to share your experiences. Find out how you can be a leader for the next generation of design professionals.

The ABP Industry Mentoring program gives you the chance to meet with current students for one-to-one mentoring. The personalised matching process gives you the chance to share your expertise and discuss career aspirations so you can help students transition from university to the workplace.

Applications for the 2022 Program are now closed.

ABP Industry Mentoring Program 2021

Overview

  • This program matches alumni and students in 1:1 pairs for a period of seven months (April to October) and you'll meet at least three times throughout the program
  • Mentors and students are matched by professional interest and areas so you can tailor your advice based on your interests and experience
  • Meetings can take place in person or online. Participants are asked to follow all University and Government guidelines for an in-person interaction
  • You can help students understand your area of work and the career options available
  • You are encouraged to share your decision-making process and experiences in choosing a career path - it's these anecdotes and stories that can make the biggest difference to students.  Both you and your mentee will be asked to observe confidentiality and a professional standard of behaviour, including occupational health and safety requirements.

Meetings with your student might include:

  • Conversations regarding work/study/industry matters
  • 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)

Benefits of getting involved

Connecting with the University of Melbourne and its community of academics and students allows you to:

  • Contribute to the development of the next generation of designers, architects and industry professionals
  • Learn and engage with fresh perspectives
  • Share your knowledge and experience
  • Have a context for productive reflection on your own career and professional practice
  • Acquire enhanced interpersonal skills and management ability

Key details

  • Students are responsible for taking the lead in initiating contact and setting up meetings
  • Mentors are not expected to tutor students or provide job/internship opportunities or personal counselling
  • Advice and support will be provided by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning for both mentors and mentees, with resources available to assist in the process

Projected timeline

DateEvent
Monday 21 February Applications open
Friday 18 MarchApplications close
Week of 29 March Confirmation of successful and unsuccessful matches sent via email
From Monday 4 April Mentors and mentees will have guidelines, email reminders and workshop opportunities to help structure meetings
April - October Mentees will organise at least 3 meetings with their mentors, either in-person or online
October Closing celebration with mentors and mentees

Further details