Career professionals have the unique opportunity to shape the next generation through a mentoring program at The University of Queensland’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (BEL).
The BEL Student Employability Team’s Career Mentoring Program allows seasoned professionals to play a key role in students’ career development.
The program matches industry mentors with students from UQ’s business and economics schools.
For the CEO of the South Bank Corporation, Jeff Weigh, being a mentor has been immensely rewarding and mutually beneficial.
“For me, it’s about what you learn from the mentees,” he said.
“It’s not a one way street; it’s a lovely experience finding out what young people think. I’m very interested in what they’ve got to say.”
Mr Weigh joined the mentoring program in 2015 and has been working with Graduate Diploma of Economics student Mary Overington.
Ms Overington said being mentored by Mr Weigh had opened many doors.
“Mr Weigh helps me take advantage of opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be available,” she said.
“He’s a very inspiring person and I enjoy speaking with him. Our meetings give me a boost of energy and help me get through the next few weeks before we meet again.”
Mentors typically provide guidance on the transition from study to work, goal setting, applying academic knowledge in the workplace and exploring various career paths.
Mentoring Coordinator Cate Clifford said mentors and mentees have valued their experiences in the program since it began in 2015.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
“Mentors really like that they can offer a real industry perspective and practical career advice to students while honing their own management, coaching and leadership skills.
“Becoming a mentor is also a fantastic way to build professional networks and keep an eye on emerging talent.
“Many of our mentors and mentees choose to stay in touch after the semester is over, which is a testament to the program’s success.”
For more information: https://bel.uq.edu.au/bel-career-mentoring-program
