Griffith is celebrating 30 years of its Industry Mentoring Program (IMP). It’s a celebratory week with events on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, acknowledging the nearly 7000 students that have participated in the Program since 1994 and the 1100 mentors currently volunteering their time and expertise to support Griffith students and recent graduates to develop their careers.
The IMP, managed and led by Nicole Chambers and Breeda Crowley, is an initiative of Griffith’s Careers and Employment Service. Undergraduate and postgraduate students from all disciplines and graduates within 12 months of degree completion are encouraged to participate. Once registered, they are supported to select and match with a mentor who assists them to progress toward their individual career goals. The Program harnesses the expertise of mentors local to Gold Coast or Brisbane, and a global community of mentors who work with students virtually.
Vice President (Global) at Griffith University, Professor Sarah Todd said of the program “It is truly a fantastic program offering mentoring opportunities to both domestic and international students alike.”
“Many former mentees have now gone on to be mentors themselves,” said Todd.
Each year, there are two cohorts (March to May and July to September), with the program growing to 600 student participants across both cohorts. In an effort to ensure high-quality mentoring and an ongoing connection to the University, the Program encourages mentees to return to the IMP as mentors once they have achieved three years of professional experience in their industry.
At the celebration events, Mentors were acknowledged for their years of service, and exceptional dedication to the Program was recognised with Mentoring Excellence and Most Engaged Mentee awards. Just over half of the 2024 mentees are international students, and the Program offers them a great way to not only improve their networking skills and learn more about the careers and professions they are considering, but also to enhance their understanding of Australian workplace culture. Through their mentors, students often gain strong connections to the local community and their chosen industry.
IMP mentors enjoy giving back and benefit by attracting new talent into their professions and organisations. Many also provide guest lectures and contribute to the employability of Griffith students through work-integrated learning programs and other initiatives that support career readiness.
Erdenechimeg Darjaa speaks of her experience with Julio
Julio has been a huge help in my career development since we met.
From our first meeting, it was clear that Julio truly cares about my success. As a former international student, he understands my current situation very well because he has walked this path before me. This shared experience makes his guidance invaluable. He regularly shares job advertisements that fit my goals through Linkedin and even helped me find an internship, which has been a significant step in my career journey. His support helps me feel more confident in my job search.
Julio also believes in the value of continuous learning. He often encourages me to get additional certifications and take courses to improve my skills. This push to keep learning inspires me to grow and prepare for the future.
In addition to being supportive and encouraging, Julio is incredibly accountable. Once we schedule a meeting, he never postpones or arrives late. This reliability shows how dedicated he is to helping me succeed. He shares his knowledge and experiences, helping me make informed choices. Whether we discuss industry trends or personal challenges, his advice always helps me find the right path forward.
Julio is the perfect example of the best mentor. His commitment to my growth is clear in everything he does. I believe he deserves this award for his outstanding support and the positive impact he has on his mentees.
The Koala thanks Griffith University for sharing this “good news” story.
