A world-class line-up of UNE alumni have offered to guide the careers of the next generation of UNE graduates through the UNE Alumni Ambassador Mentorship Program.
Professionals with national and international experience spanning the arts, local government, health administration, education, business, agricultural science, natural resource management and archaeology have generously volunteered as mentors in 2026.
Among them is Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, who completed a Bachelor of Natural Resources at UNE in 1998 and has since amassed more than 28 years’ experience in frontline and executive roles.
He said he did not hesitate to become a UNE mentor.
“I still have a strong affinity with UNE and look back on that time fondly,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunities my studies have afforded me and now want to help others.
“Mentoring is a way to share different experiences and perspectives. Our world today is so interconnected. As you progress through your career, and especially into leadership and management roles, it’s essential to be open to broader ideas and inputs.”
Jeremy said he has had several formal and informal mentors throughout his life. “I continue to draw on them for advice and to serve as sounding boards. Tapping into that wisdom is so valuable and there have been a number of instances when my mentors have had a significant impact – putting forward options I hadn’t considered and encouraging me to explore them.
“I hope to be the kind of mentor who helps others to develop the confidence to step up and take on challenges. Sometimes, the power of a conversation is not realised immediately, but plays out down the track.”
Applications for mentees are now open. Mentees must either be a student in their final year of study or a recent graduate and will be matched with mentors based on their career interests and goals.
By sharing their experiences, knowledge and networks, mentors will help them to transition into the workplace. This may include providing industry insights and career advice, fostering networking and strategic industry introductions, and even support for internships and job placements.
Manager of Advancement, Alumni and Events at UNE, Samantha Crick, said she looks forward to witnessing the growth and success of the mentoring partnerships as UNE builds a stronger and more connected alumni network.
“Our mentoring program aims to strengthen lifelong relationships with UNE alumni and to inspire our current and recent students to success,” she said. “By discussing their career journeys, and industry trends and opportunities, mentors will build the professional and personal confidence of mentees in support of their graduate employment.
“It is a powerful way to contribute to UNE’s culture of lifelong learning and for mentors to give back to the community that shaped their career.”
For more information on our other UNE mentors and to register your interest in becoming a mentee, go to https://www.une.edu.au/alumni/ambassador
The Alumni Ambassador Mentorship Program is the first in a series of new UNE initiatives that will see alumni play vital roles in career mentoring, university engagement and community building.
