Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program

Building on the success and growth of our careers events over the past few years, our goal is to harness the Old Grammarian network of experienced individuals to provide support, career development and networking opportunities for young Old Grammarians.

The Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program is designed to support young Old Grammarians who are in the early years of their careers or looking for new career opportunities. Through the program, Old Grammarians will be matched with experienced Old Grammarian mentor (where possible).

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Old Grammarians are invited to apply to participate in the Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program.

This program brings mentoring and career networking together to:

  • Support Old Grammarians to establish lifelong professional connections and build networking and career strategy skills by connecting with a mentor in a relevant field; and
  • Allow experienced Old Grammarians to share their time and valuable expertise and to make real contributions to the career progression of another Old Grammarian.

Mentees are matched with a suitable mentor who provide one-on-one mentoring with a focus on industry knowledge, networks, career planning and personal development.

The connection, guidance and inspiration provided by the mentors assist mentees in transitioning to the workplace and beyond.

PROGRAM DATES:

  • Early Feburay – Applications open
  • Early March – Applications close
  • Late March – Mentor/mentee pairs confirmed
  • Early April – Launch event
  • April – October – Mentor/Mentee meetings
  • Late October – Official program concludes

PROGRAM CONTACT

For further information, please contact:
Development Office
[email protected]
+61 3 5338 0950
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  • INFORMATION FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

    Before applying for this program, please read the Old Grammarians’ Mentoring Program Guide so that you understand the program structure, time commitment and expectations.

    Communications about the Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program will be via email and LinkedIn. All participants will be invited to the ‘OG Career Mentoring Program Community’ group on LinkedIn.

    Applications for the program

    Applications are opening soon for the 2024 Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program.

    To express your interest in becoming involved in this program as a mentor or mentee in future, please apply through the form below.

    Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program – Application form

  • INFORMATION FOR MENTEES

    The program connects you with an Old Grammarian mentor working in your chosen industry/interest area and aims to support you in transitioning from graduation or qualification into the workforce.

    • The program will run from April to October.
    • Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet face-to-face, four to six times over the course of the mentoring relationship.
    • Face-to-face meetings are to be supported by regular contact via phone, email or video call as agreed upon by mentors and mentees.
    • Mentees are required to attend the program induction.

    How to be a successful mentee:

    • Be open to challenges, new ideas and ways of thinking
    • Set goals – decide what you want from this program, define objectives, and discuss with your mentor
    • Be organised, proactive and responsive – plan activities, keep each other informed and agree on a plan
    • Communicate effectively, be reliable and on time
    • Share openly – discuss your career goals, challenges, interests, and worries
    • Be receptive and open to feedback/coaching – ask questions, reflect on advice, and actively follow up
    • Assess your progress – keep track of your goals and action plans
    • Be realistic – understand the time your mentor has available, and work with them to decide the best time, location and format that will work best for both

  • INFORMATION FOR MENTORS

    Give back and participate in this program as an Old Grammarian mentor!

    • The program will run from April to October.
    • Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet face-to-face, four to six times over the course of the mentoring relationship.
    • Face-to-face meetings are to be supported by regular contact via phone, email or video call as agreed upon by mentors and mentees.
    • Mentors are required to attend the program induction. If possible, alumni mentors will invite their mentees to at least one professional experience. This could be an opportunity to shadow you in the workplace or attend a networking event or meeting.

    Tips for how to be a successful mentor

    • Be an active listener and help your mentee to find their solutions
    • Guide your mentee to identify their goals and keep them on track
    • Help your mentee challenge and extend themselves to think outside the box and consider new ideas or career pathways they may not have considered before
    • Be encouraging and supportive, allowing your mentee to develop confidence in themselves
    • Build trust and be open and honest. Share details of your journey and experiences.
    • Be patient, non-judgmental and tolerant
    • Help your mentee to make connections – introduce your mentee to people in your professional network
    • Provide constructive feedback to your mentee.