Professionals Network

Mentor Me

The annual Mentor Me program connects mentees with mentors and guides participants through a structured mentoring experience. Participants have access to a pre-program workshop, an opening networking event, supporting resources, access to the UQPN Mentor Me community and ongoing guidance from the UQPN Mentor Me program team: Julita, Anita and Silviu. Participants will develop new skills, expand their professional network, and connect with peers beyond their organisational unit.

Applications for the 2025 Mentor Me program are being accepted until 17 April 2025. The 2025 Mentor Me launch event is scheduled for 8 May 2025.

Please direct any queries to mentorme@uq.edu.au.

Personal satisfaction and purpose
  • Helping your mentee grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding.
  • Mentoring brings a sense of meaning; knowing you are making a difference, giving back to UQ community and leaving a positive legacy.
Strengthened leadership and management skills
  • As a mentor, you refine how you give feedback, listen actively, and adapt your leadership style.
  • Great practice for your team management and influence skills.
Fresh perspectives and commitment to continuing learning
  • Mentees bring new ideas, tools, and generational insights.
  • In a mentor role, you learn as much from the conversation as you share.
Grow and expand your professional and social network
  • The Mentor Me program connects you with current UQPN mentors & mentees and the UQPN Mentor Me Alumni network.
  • Joining our mentoring program opens doors for future collaboration and visibility beyond your organisational unit.
  • You will make new friends for sure!
Boosted confidence and self-awareness
  • Reflecting on your own career journey helps reinforce your expertise.
  • Answering questions sharpens your own thinking and self-knowledge.
Professional development and recognition
  • Mentoring demonstrates leadership and a commitment to your own professional development.
  • You can include your mentorship experience in your annual performance review (APD); it demonstrates leadership and shows you are preparing for more senior roles.

 

 “I thoroughly enjoyed the MentorMe program… [my Mentee] is a wonderful person and open for suggestions and wants to learn. We have decided to keep up the mentor - mentee relationship as we both feel that we are not finished yet. Thank you, UQPN volunteers to make this all possible!!!.”
– Liane Spencer, Senior Business Analyst, oDVCRI

 

“I enjoyed the program and think I was well matched to a mentee, I'm hoping I made a positive impact.”
– Des Minton, Senior Manager, Student Affairs

  • Relevant advice and inspiration 

  • Career progression opportunities 

  • Enhanced self-confidence 

  • Career guidance from someone who has walked the path 

  • New skills and capabilities 

  • A healthy dose of personal growth 

  • Guidance from a senior role model 

 

“I realised that by sharing you boost your confidence and feel empowered to try different things.”
– Anna Efstathiadou, Administration Officer, Medicine

 

“Overall the experience has been useful and I have gained a lot of confidence in understanding my strengths and planning a way forward... I found the reminder to set goals was useful for keeping the relationship on track and on topic.”
– Sally Martin, Facilities Manager, School of Biomedical Sciences.

 

Can anyone be a mentor? 

Yes! If you’re passionate about helping others grow and can commit the time, you absolutely can be a mentor. Many mentees are new to UQ and simply want guidance in better understanding and navigating the organisation; your experience could make a real difference. Check out the benefits of becoming a mentor in the tab ‘What’s in it for you as a mentor?’ if you still have doubts!

Do I receive any training?

Yes. All 2025 mentors will be invited to a pre-program workshop facilitated by a specialist in organisational culture and capability. This session will guide you on how to begin building a strong mentoring relationship.
The workshop will take place between 30 April and 2 May 2025; keep an eye on your inbox for the invitation.

What am I expected to do? 

Mentors are asked to provide at least one hour of support per month, but you and your mentee can decide what schedule works best for both of you.

Most mentoring interactions happen via email, MS Teams chats, or meetings: in person or online, depending on your preferences.

You’ll be matched with your mentee based on your expertise and their selected development areas. In your first meeting, your mentee will also share a specific goal they’d like to work on during the program.

A summary of mentor and mentee expectations will be shared during the Opening Event on 8 May 2025.

How long is the commitment? 

The Mentor Me program runs for three months, and we ask mentors to commit to the full duration. This ensures your mentee has the opportunity to gain real value from the relationship. Of course, you’re welcome to stay in touch beyond the formal program.

How does the matching process work?

Based on your profile and the mentee applications, the mentoring platform will suggest the best match for you.
You’ll be notified of your assigned mentee between 29 April and 2 May 2025.

How can I influence the matching process?

While the platform handles most of the matching based on areas of expertise and mentee development needs, we guarantee that your mentee will come from a different organisational unit than yours.

Tip! If you'd prefer to be paired with a staff member who is new to UQ, consider selecting “understanding and navigating the organisation” as your area of expertise on your application form.

 

Mentor DO's 

  1. Commit to at least 1 hour of support and engagement per month. 

  1. Take responsibility to initiate the relationship. 

  1. Set aside time for the mentoring process and honour all appointments. 

  1. Invite the Mentee to meetings or activities, as appropriate. Schedule meetings with planned topics. 

  1. Be flexible on meeting times and places. 

  1. Arrange frequent contact through telephone, email, face-to-face, etc., as appropriate 

  1. Respond to emails from your Mentee within 2 days of receipt. 

  1. Keep information that your Mentee has shared with you confidential. If something concerning the Mentee needs to be discussed with others, it should first be discussed within the mentoring relationship. 

  1. Establish open and honest communication and a forum for idea exchange. 

  1. Foster creativity and independence. Help build self-confidence and offer encouragement. 

  1. Provide honest and timely feedback to your Mentee. 

  1. Provide opportunities for the Mentee to talk about concerns and ask questions. 

  1. Above all, LISTEN. 

 
Mentor DON'Ts 

  1. Try to give advice on everything. 

  1. Encourage the Mentee to be dependent upon you. 

  1. Provide your personal history, problems, animosities, successes, failures, etc, unless they are constructive contributions. 

  1. Be too busy when the Mentee needs your friendship or your support. If you do not have time, give the Mentee a heads up, so that they know when they can reach you. 

  1. Criticise. 

Can I apply for the 2025 Mentor Me program?

Yes! Current UQPN members are welcome to apply for each new edition of the Mentor Me program.

Not a UQPN member yet? Learn how to join the UQPN network before submitting your mentoring application.

Can I apply to be both a mentee and a mentor?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re interested in participating in both roles, email mentorme@uq.edu.au by COB 19 April 2025 to let us know. Bonus: By joining as a mentor, you also help grow the pool of available mentors, increasing the chances of finding a great match for yourself too.

Do I choose my mentor?

Not directly. First, complete your profile on the Mentor Me platform, including:

  • the skills you would like to develop (choose up to three from the list below)
  • your career goals
  • what you hope to gain from participating in the program.

Based on your profile and the available mentor pool, the platform will suggest the best match for you. You’ll be notified of the outcome of your application between 29 April and 2 May 2025.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a match for all applicants. Mentee places are limited.

What if I’m not sure what I want to be mentored on?

No problem! The application form includes prompts to help you reflect on your mentoring goals. You’ll also be asked to select up to three skills you’d like to develop from the following list:

  • Adaptability
  • Analytical thinking
  • Building and retaining relationships
  • Communicating effectively
  • Conflict resolution
  • Continuous improvement
  • Courage and confidence in speaking up
  • Decision making
  • Developing others
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Improving processes
  • Innovation
  • Leadership
  • Managing change
  • Managing diversity and inclusion
  • Managing politics
  • Managing up
  • Motivating and inspiring teams
  • Negotiation
  • Planning and execution
  • Project management
  • Problem solving
  • Risk management
  • Strategic planning
  • Understanding and navigating the organisation

Tip! If you are new to UQ, consider selecting broader skills such as “understanding and navigating the organisation.”

How long will mentors be available?

We ask mentors to commit to the program for at least three months to ensure a meaningful mentoring experience. However, we know from previous editions that many mentoring relationships continue beyond the program's duration.

What if my mentor and I aren’t a good fit?

It happens! Like any relationship, mentoring doesn’t always click. If you experience issues, just reach out to the Mentor Me Program Team; we are here to help.

Do I receive any training?

Yes. All 2025 mentees will be invited to a pre-program workshop facilitated by a professional in coaching and goal-setting. This session will guide you on how to get the most from your mentorship relationship.

The workshop is scheduled for 30 April 2025; keep an eye on your inbox for the invitation.

A summary of mentor and mentee expectations will be shared during the Opening Event on 8 May 2025.

 

Mentee DO's 

  1. Take a proactive role in shaping the relationship 

  1. Understand what you want from the professional mentoring relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your Mentor.  

  1. Set aside time for the mentoring process and keep all scheduled appointments with your Mentor and display professional behaviour. 

  1. Put your time with your mentor to good use. Come to meetings prepared with planned topics, questions and insights. 

  1. Respond promptly to your Mentor's feedback. Respond to emails from your Mentor at most two days of receipt. 

  1. Be open and honest with your Mentor about your challenges and weaknesses, they can help you best if they know where you struggle and are there to help you 

  1. If something concerning the Mentor needs to be discussed with others, always try to address it with your Mentor first. If that doesn’t work, reach out to the Mentor Me Project Team. 

 

Mentee DON'Ts 

  1. Ask for advice on everything. Have a purpose in each request. 

  1. Blame the Mentor if his or her advice doesn't work out. 

  1. Expect the Mentor to know all the answers. 

  1. Commit yourself to obligations you cannot keep. 

  1. Cancel meetings/visits with your Mentor at the very last minute (unless unavoidable).