EAIT Industry Mentoring Program

The EAIT Industry Mentoring Program (formerly known as the Meet a Mentor Program) is a rewarding initiative that connects penultimate (students in their second last year of study) and final-year students within engineering, architecture, and computing with established alumni and industry professionals with 3+ of experience in industry.

Each year the program runs from March to September and aims to motivate, encourage, empower and transform the next generation of professionals entering the industry. It also provides industry members with the chance to pass their knowledge on to the next generation of professionals.

The program looks to assist students with their career development and transition from university into the workforce, engaging business professionals in a mutually beneficial partnership.

If you have any queries about the program, please contact the EAIT Industry Mentoring Team via email: mentoring@eait.uq.edu.au. If you would like to mentor a student please sign up here.

Shina Chen, 2023 Mentee of the Year, with her Industry Mentor, Sophie Tan.

What’s the go with mentoring?

Have you ever thought about taking part in a mentoring program? If you’re in your final two years of study, the prospect of getting into the workplace can be pretty daunting. Mentoring can be a really good way to help you navigate your way through study, work, and life transitions. It’s also beneficial for the mentor themselves, as it gives them a chance to make a difference, providing their mentee with real advice which they will carry throughout their lives.

We recently chatted to Mitchell, Bradley, Shina and Sophie, the mentor/mentee teams who took out prizes at this year’s Mentor and Mentee of the Year Awards to get the lowdown on what it’s all about!

How can mentoring benefit you?

As a student, mentoring can provide tangible benefits to your future. You can work on practical skills like resume and cover letter writing, how to put your best foot forward in job interviews, and how to effectively network within your industry.

You can gain insight into what your industry is like to work in, and help you decide which pathway will suit you best. It gives you a platform in which to ask questions in a non-judgemental space! You can hone your professional soft skills like leadership, communication, organisation and time management.

Perhaps one of the main benefits of mentoring is the boost in confidence many mentees gain from the experience, becoming comfortable with backing themselves and putting their best foot forward.

Some mentees also find job opportunities through the mentoring process!

How often should you meet?

What’s in it for the mentor?

Becoming a mentor allows you to pay forward the support you have received throughout your own career.

By sharing advice you’ve learned through your experience working in the industry, you can shape young people as they join the workforce for the first time. Giving back, and gaining a valuable experience at the same time, mentoring gives you the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations about work, life, and industry.

The mentoring process also gave some mentors the opportunity to reflect on their own work practices, allowing their own personal and professional growth.

How can mentees get the most out of the experience?

Be proactive! You only get out what you put in. Thinking about what you want out of the program will give your sessions direction. Take the lead on organising meetings with your mentor, each time coming prepared with something to talk about. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Come into your sessions with an open mind. Reflection is a super valuable professional tool to hang on your belt. Mentoring may make you challenge your own opinions/practices to help you grow into a stronger person.

Do the work. Put into practice the things you’ve discussed with your mentor between sessions, then be sure to talk to them about how it went the next time you meet!

Show gratitude! Your working relationship with your mentor can be incredibly valuable, ensure they know you appreciate their time.

What are the challenges?

Many people reported the most challenging thing about taking part in the mentoring program was about time management. We absolutely get it! Between balancing life, study and work commitments, it can be tricky to find time to prioritise your mentor/mentee sessions. The best advice on how to handle this is to remain flexible. If you normally prefer a face-to-face session but timing is an issue, suggest swapping to video or phone calls until things settle.

It can be challenging for mentors when mentees sign up but don’t engage with the program. If you are a mentee, make sure you are open and communicate if you feel like the program isn’t for you!

How can I get involved?

The EAIT Industry Mentoring Program runs annually from March to September. While the dates may change year to year, keep an eye out for applications opening sometime in early March.

Mentor/mentee teams are paired using an online matching system which connects you based on your goals, desired skills, as well as your personal interests and motivations. Keen to get involved? Submit an EOI.