Six months into UNE’s alumni mentoring program and our ‘matches’ are reporting great two-way learning and professional growth.
For communications specialist Tahlia Hood, it has been wonderful to see how much it matters to her mentee Isabelle Medway to “have someone in her corner”.
“Whether helping with resume writing, navigating a new job contract or simply offering support during a major life transition, being able to draw on my own experience to help Isabelle feel more confident and supported has been incredibly rewarding,” Tahlia said.
As Isabelle settles into a new graduate role, she acknowledges the importance of flexibility in her mentoring relationship. During busier exam periods before she completed her media studies, she and Tahlia spoke less, but when she began applying for jobs they communicated almost daily.
“I would highly recommend the mentoring program to any student,” Isabelle said. “Tahlia supported me throughout the interview process, broadened my perspective on the career opportunities available to me, and gave me the reassurance I needed when deciding to take on a new job. Having someone in my corner during the transition from university to full-time work was incredibly valuable and gave me greater confidence in taking that next step.”
And while new graduates might appreciate more intensive career advice, conservation planning officer and volunteer NSW State Emergency Service leader Matt Elsley is seeking more middle management support from his mentor, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
In what he describes as “a pretty good match”, Matt is benefitting from the government sector executive insight and knowledge that Jeremy is sharing as he looks to advance his career.
“In my current role with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water I do a lot of pitching of ideas and projects to senior executives and Jeremy’s perspective on what he looks for as someone considering such ideas is really valuable,” Matt says. “I’ve also been picking his brains around how to develop and mentor teams and the various leadership styles. I’m keen to boost my skills in managing teams in my volunteer role, too, and Jeremy has encouraged me to value that experience more and integrate it into my resume.”
Aligning support with the precise needs and experiences of the mentee is critical to comfortable and productive mentoring relationships.
“I was expecting to be partnered with a new graduate and was initially concerned that I wouldn’t have enough experience to advise Cathy. This was so far from reality, our relationship has been collegial and inspirational with many of our chats ending in challenges set to be completed by both of us before our next meeting,” said education professional Tess Meehan about her match with early learning educator Cathy Koutlis. “We have developed a great professional, ongoing conversation around many facets of education, professional development and leadership.”
Cathy says the program has given her a welcome confidence boost as she prepares to step into a more senior management role.
“Tess has been incredibly encouraging and has a wonderful enthusiasm for professional growth. She has shared practical advice, resources and experiences that have encouraged me to give things a go and step outside my comfort zone. Tess has been very empowering. She has reminded me of the strong relationships I have already developed within my workplace and the leadership skills I am already demonstrating, while also encouraging me to undertake professional development.”
We are now inviting a second round of UNE alumni to take part in our Alumni Ambassador Program, a volunteer initiative that engages dedicated UNE graduates to serve as advocates, mentors and champions of the University of New England. Among other things, this will enable us to expand our mentoring program.
For more information, go to https://www.une.edu.au/alumni/alumni-ambassador-program
