Mentoring opportunities
The University of Sydney offers a range of mentoring programs to support students and early-career alumni in gaining the real-world knowledge and leadership skills they will need to make a smooth transition to the workforce.
Each year our alumni contribute to these programs, providing their support and expertise to help the next generation of leaders to thrive.
If you are interested in getting involved, please express your interest and our team will be in touch when opportunities become available.
Current mentoring programs
The Dalyell Professional Mentoring Program connects third-year Dalyell Scholars with experienced industry mentors to cultivate professional expertise and leadership. The program runs for three months each year. You will help mentees explore career pathways and provide hands-on perspectives on the professional environment.
University area: University-wide
Dates: Semester 1
Format: Group mentoring, online and in-person (in-person preferred)
Frequency: Minimum of 3 sessions
The Business Industry Mentoring Program is a leadership program that connects business professionals with current students in a mentoring relationship that focuses on career and professional development. The program runs for six months each year. Alumni who have expertise in business provide mentoring to current business students. You will provide actionable advice on career planning and decision-making.
University area: The Business School
Dates: Semester 1
Format: 1:1 mentoring, in-person
Frequency: Up to the mentor and mentee
The First in Family Mentoring Program is run by the School of Economics and pairs experienced alumni with students who are first in their family to attend tertiary education. This program aims to showcase where a degree in economics can take students. Alumni mentors have the opportunity to provide career advice and professional guidance.
University area: School of Economics
Dates: Semester 1
Format: 1:1 mentoring, online or in-person
Frequency: Up to the mentor and mentee
The E12 Professional Mentoring Program connects equity students with alumni and industry professionals to provide opportunities for these high potential students to explore career aspirations and develop employability skills.
This program is part of the University of Sydney's E12 Scheme, which recognises equity students who have a strong motivation for learning, a record of community leadership, and high potential to succeed. E12 Scholars may have experienced financial hardship, grew up in an area of socio-economic disadvantage, or attended a rural or regional school. This program runs over a three-month period.
University area: University-wide
Dates: Semester 2
Format: Group mentoring, online and in-person (in-person preferred)
Frequency: 1 session per month
The Sydney University Women in Engineering Mentoring Program aims to foster an empowering community and facilitating career growth by connecting female engineering students with alumni mentors. This program runs for six months each year. Mentors provide coaching, guidance on how to navigate a traditionally male-dominated workplace and advice on transitioning into the workforce.
University area: Faculty of Engineering
Dates: Semester 2
Format: 1:1/1:2 mentoring, online or in-person
Frequency: 1 session per month
Quad conversations pairs alumni with alumni to reconnect, reminisce and share knowledge, life stories and learnings. It’s a chat with a peer who also completed a University of Sydney degree from any faculty, school or graduating year.
University area: Alumni and Supporter Experience
Dates: Semester 1 or 2
Format: 1:1 connection, online or in-person
Frequency: Up to the participants
The Practera Mentoring program connects high-performing students with accomplished alumni in a work-integrated setting. Alumni are paired with a team of five to six students to collaboratively deliver a consulting project or solve an industry problem over three weeks. You will lead the team in developing creative solutions and encourage students to think outside the box to create impactful outcomes.
University area: The Business School
Dates: Semester 1 or 2
Format: Group mentoring, online
Frequency: 1-2 hours per week across 3 weeks
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Mentoring Program connects final-year DVM students with experienced veterinary science alumni to aid students in transitioning to full-time employment and gain industry insights. This program runs for 12 months each year. You will provide advice on transitioning into the workforce and tips on how to manage their final year of veterinary education.
University area: Faculty of Science
Dates: Starts Semester 2
Format: 1:1 mentoring, online or in-person
Frequency: Up to the mentor and mentee
Benefits of becoming a mentor
Some of the benefits of mentoring at the University of Sydney include:
Enhanced leadership skills: Mentoring challenges your leadership abilities as you guide and support others in their professional journeys, fostering a sense of responsibility and influence.
Personal satisfaction: Witnessing the growth and success of your mentee can be incredibly rewarding, providing a deep sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
Leadership recognition: Earn a certification and showcase it with a University of Sydney digital badge you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
Making a difference: You can make a positive impact on the Sydney Alumni Community by inspiring and supporting the growth of students.
Frequently asked questions
Each mentoring program has its own selection criteria and requirements - please refer to the relevant program for more information. Mentors are required to be approachable and engaged, available for the whole duration of a program, and to deliver the mentoring sessions as per the program guidelines. Key attributes we look for in a mentor are enthusiasm for sharing their expertise and experience, ability to motivate students as well as provide constructive feedback and empathy for our students. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible to mentor, please contact the Global Volunteers Team at alumni.office@sydney.edu.au
It varies by program. While some programs require University of Sydney alumni, others welcome non-alumni mentors as well. Please check the specific requirements for each program. We encourage mentors with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to participate in our programs to enrich the mentorship experience.
Most programs offer online options, allowing you to participate from anywhere. However, some programs may require face-to-face interaction. Please review the details of each program to understand the location preferences and requirements.
The expectations of mentors vary by program. Mentors should work with their students to determine what kind of support will be most useful - specific feedback related to preparing for life after university, general career advice, information on further learning and more.
Mentors are expected to commit to the whole duration of a program which varies for each program. This gives you the opportunity to participate in a program that suits your availability. If a mentor must leave the relationship early, we request at least one month's notice to search for a replacement mentor with a similar background.
A digital badge is a representation of an accomplishment or skill that can be displayed, accessed and verified online. It serves as a digital certification of your achievement, easily allowing others to recognise and validate your expertise. As a mentor, you receive a digital badge at the conclusion of the program that you can share to your social channels and add to your LinkedIn profile.
Badges enhance your visibility by easily showcasing your skills and increasing credibility as they serve as an endorsement of your achievements. Expressing your skills through a badge showcases your accomplishment and involvement with a program at one of the world’s best Universities.
The University of Sydney have partnered with the badging platform Accredible. Badges issued by the University of Sydney via the Accredible platform are uniquely linked to your details which eliminates the possibility of others claiming your certification.