FAQS for Students (mentees)
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is more than just a chat. It’s a positive, supportive relationship that involves sharing knowledge, skills and life experience to guide another towards realising their potential and help them reach a particular goal or outcome.“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push into the right direction.”
~ John C. Crosby ~
Mentors listen objectively and act as a sounding board. They also provide guidance, support, encouragement and constructive feedback. Your mentor will encourage you to consider strategies and opportunities outside your comfort zone – because that’s where the growth happens!
Mentoring is a knowledge-sharing opportunity for both the mentee and the mentor. That means it also about you sharing ideas, resources or what you’ve learnt with your mentor as well as your mentor sharing their wisdom, ideas and expertise with you.
An open mind, your sense of curiosity, your passion for learning and your relationship building and communication skills will help you to get the most out of a mentoring relationship.
How does the program work?
Unlike many mentoring programs, Science Connect is a flexible career mentoring program that empowers students to select their own mentor.Upon acceptance into the program, you will also be given access to Blackboard Learning where you will have access to a range of resources to support your mentoring relationship and help you apply the learnings or strategies gained in a way that's relevant and meaningful to you.
Once you are accepted into the program (and before you can choose your mentor), you’ll be provided with training and supporting resources that will empower you with the tools and information you need to make informed decisions and learn how to:
- think about your own employability and career development
- understand how the program works, and what your responsibilities are as a mentee
- define meaningful goals or practical outcomes you want to achieve during the mentoring relationship
- carefully select your mentor
- build a positive, productive relationship with your mentor.
Once you complete and submit your training, you will then be given access to UQ's mentoring app Chronus where you will be able to review mentor profiles and select your mentor for the program.
Once your chosen mentor has accepted your invitation to connect, it is your responsibility to organise the introductory meeting.
At this meeting you will collaborate with your mentor to decide
- the four conversation topics (relating to your employability or your career/personal development) that you will cover in your meetings/interactions throughout the program (based on a goal or outcome you want to achieve that you will have the opportunity to workshop during the training session)
- how you plan to work together
- how often you meet and communicate (including setting up expectations around responding to meeting requests/questions)
- the duration of your mentoring relationship during the program and how you plan to stay in connected once the program has ended.
To make the most out of an ongoing mentoring relationship, we recommend having at least 3 meetings over the course of the program, and consider continuing the mentoring relationship well beyond the program's conclusion. You never know what opportunities these relationships will lead to in future. However, we recognise that all relationships are different, and this will depend on the goals and outcomes you seek to achieve.
As the mentee, you are responsible for being proactive in setting up your meetings with your mentor and coming prepared to each meeting with a topics or items you’d like to cover in your discussions.
Am I eligible to join the program as a mentee?
Science Connect is open to all students currently enrolled in a Faculty of Science undergraduate degree (including dual degree and honours students) or a Faculty of Science postgraduate degree. View the full list of eligible programs.
HDR students are not eligible to be part of the Science Connect Career Mentoring Program, and instead, should consider participating in UQ's HDR Career Development Program
How do I join the program?
Applications for the 2022 intake have now closed. Please email sci.advancement@uq.edu.au to register your interest in joining a future intake.Do I get to choose my mentor?
Yes, you do. You are responsible for using Chronus to review mentor profiles and taking a methodical approach to selecting a mentor. When you have identified a potential mentor, you are responsible for initiating contact with the mentor through Chronus. Once your chosen mentor has accepted the invitation, you are responsible for setting up the introductory meeting.As the mentee, you are responsible for being proactive in setting up your meetings with your mentor and coming prepared to each meeting with topics or items you’d like to cover in your discussions.
But don't worry, you'll be provided with full training and support to help you choose the mentor that's the right fit for you and the goals or outcomes you are hoping to achieve.
What if there isn’t a mentor available in my chosen field or industry?
A mentor does not have to be in your chosen field or industry to help you gain new perspectives on how to enhance your employability or reach your career goals.Because your employability is more than just knowing what discipline-specific knowledge and skills you need to get a job and build a successful career in your chosen field.
Your employability also includes:
- recognising and applying your own strengths, personal attributes and transferable skills that enable you to perform effectively within a work environment.
- understanding your work or career aspirations and why they are important to you - so you have a compass that can guide your decision-making as you navigate your unique career journey.
Their wisdom, expertise and constructive feedback is incredibly valuable in helping you to communicate your potential to a prospective employer, help you establish meaningful career or personal development goals, creating a healthy work/life balance and so much more.
What if my chosen mentor is unavailable to mentor me?
If your chosen mentor is unavailable to mentor you because they are already mentoring another student, then you can reach out to another mentor. Remember to keep an open mind when choosing a mentor. Your mentor does not have to be in your chosen field or industry to help you gain new perspectives on how to enhance your employability or reach your career goals.If you are having trouble finding a mentor, please email the program coordinator for assistance.
Can I have more than one mentor?
Please email the program coordinator if you would like to pursue this option.