Explore your career with guidance and support
The Macquarie University Mentor Program connects you with alumni and industry professionals for a short, accessible 6-week mentoring experience.
Whether you’re unsure about what career path to take or want to strengthen your employability skills, this program helps you gain practical insight, confidence, and direction to plan your next steps.
Why join?
- Open to all students – no prior experience or defined career path required
- Short and flexible – designed to fit around your studies and work
- Career exploration made simple – ideal if you’re not sure where to start
- Focus on generalist employability skills – build confidence, insight and a career plan
- Career partners, not career twins – learn from broader experience and networks
- AHEGS accreditation – recognised learning recorded on your transcript
How it works
- Apply online
- Submit a short application to register for the program.
- Complete the online learning module
- A brief mandatory module to prepare you for mentoring and reflection.
- Get matched
- You’ll be matched with an alumni or industry mentor.
- Prepare & connect
- Complete orientation and light touch meeting preparation activities, with optional workshops and networking opportunities.
- 1:1 mentoring sessions
- Complete 5 hours of one-to-one mentoring online or in person, over 6 weeks.
- Mentoring Portfolio Journal
- Reflect on your experience and submit your portfolio to receive AHEGS accreditation.
What you’ll gain
- Insight into career possibilities and professional pathways
- Practical employability skills you can use now and in the future
- Greater confidence in making career and study decisions
- Recognised learning through AHEGS accreditation
Who can apply
The Macquarie University Mentor Program is open to all current students who have completed 80 credits (undergraduates) or 40 credits (postgraduates). It’s especially suited to students who are exploring career options, unsure where to start, or wanting to build general employability skills.
Where spaces are limited, priority will be given to final and penultimate year students.
Ready to get started?
Applications open: 23 February – 22 March 2026
Outside the application dates, you can submit a Expression of Interest form.
Orientation details and support materials will be provided once you’re matched.
Frequently asked questions
The program runs for 6 weeks and includes:
- 5 hours of one-to-one mentoring with your mentor
- A short mandatory online learning module
- Guided independent activities and reflection
- Optional networking events
The program is designed to be flexible and manageable alongside your studies.
You’ll be matched with an alumni or industry mentor based on broad interests and learning goals. The program focuses on career partners, not career twins - mentors support your thinking, skills and planning rather than matching you to an identical career path.
Not at all. This program is designed for students who are still figuring things out. Your mentor will help you explore options, reflect on your strengths, and start building a career plan.
The Mentoring Portfolio Journal is a focused reflective submission where you:
- Capture key learning from your mentoring experience
- Reflect on skills, insights and next steps
- Consolidate your career planning
Completion of the journal is required to successfully complete the program.
Yes. Students who complete the program requirements - including mentoring sessions, online learning, orientation and the Mentoring Portfolio Journal - will receive AHEGS accreditation, which appears on your official record.
Mentors provide guidance, perspective and support based on their experience.
Mentees are expected to:
- Come prepared to mentoring sessions
- Engage with the learning activities
- Take ownership of their goals and reflection
Support and guidance are provided throughout the program.
No - networking events and workshops are optional but strongly encouraged. They’re a great opportunity to broaden your connections and learn from others, but you can complete the program without attending them.
Mentors are matched based on broad interests, experience, and availability rather than exact job titles or degrees. This is intentional - mentoring is about learning how to navigate careers, not replicating someone else’s path.
Even if your mentor’s background differs from your target, they can offer valuable guidance, perspective, and connections, including access to their wider network. Use this opportunity to practise career conversations, explore adjacent pathways, and build confidence before seeking more specific industry connections.