Mentoring Within the University of Melbourne

People laying their hands on top of one another

Mentoring is recognised as an important development tool which can be used for a variety of purposes in both our professional and personal lives. Whether you choose to be a mentor or mentee, the experience presents an opportunity to share professional and personal skills and experience. It is about facilitating self-development, setting and achieving goals, facing challenges, solving problems and developing your knowledge, skills and ability in an environment of encouragement, openness, mutual trust, respect and willingness to learn.


Mentoring is for you if you want to learn and grow.

If you have ever had a good mentor, you know the value of having a person who asks questions that make you think, someone who listens without judging you. Who will, if you ask, offer their opinion or ideas but makes sure that you make your own decisions about what you want to do.

It’s never been more important to take charge of your personal and professional development. Ultimately what you make of your career and your life is up to you! Conversations with mentors help you figure out what you want and the best ways to get it.

Whether you are interested in setting up an informal mentoring relationship for your own development, or you are thinking of volunteering to be a mentor for one of the formal mentoring programs offered within the University, considering the following questions will help: