What is professional mentoring?

In your third year of study as a Dalyell Scholar, you will be invited to take part in professional mentoring. This will give you the opportunity to explore career pathways, build graduate qualities and increase employability with an experienced industry professional in the field of your choice.

Professional mentoring for 2026 will commence in Semester 1 2026. We will update this page with information about registering for future sessions.

For other key dates, go to program dates.

Program goals

• Explore your career goals and aspirations with expert advice and support.
• Build high-level employability skills needed to transition successfully to the workplace, including self-awareness, communication and influence.
• Gain practical insights into the realities of the workplace and learn from your mentor’s considerable experience as an industry leader.
• Develop your networks within the industry and build relationships with other high-achieving Dalyell Scholars interested in similar career paths.

How does it work

You will be allocated to a small group with a mentor. Your mentor will be an experienced professional alumnus from the University of Sydney or a senior leader from our University community.

What the program involves

The program includes three sessions, each running for about an hour.

You’ll need to complete pre-session and post-session work. This may take one to two hours per session.

To participate, you’ll need to attend the welcome and induction webinar, held at the beginning of Semester 1, or watch the recording.

If you successfully complete the program, you’ll have the opportunity to attend:

• a one-on-one mentoring session 
• a networking event.

This program will be delivered in a hybrid format, depending on the needs of the mentor and mentees in each group.

Key dates

Your mentor will consider your availability when arranging mentoring sessions, however this program will suit students with flexible schedules.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the program if you are a Dalyell Scholar expecting to be enrolled in your third year or above of study in Semester 1 2026. We will contact you to confirm your eligibility.

If you're unsure, but have a reasonable expectation that you'll meet these criteria (e.g. you're waiting on results to be released), you're welcome to apply. You'll need to let us know as soon as possible if your circumstances change.

Dalyell Scholars who have already participated are able to register again provided they have a good record of previous engagement. Please note we will prioritise registrations from students who have not completed the program previously.

How to register

If you are eligible, you will be contacted directly with information about applying to the professional mentoring program.

Registration for the Semester 1 2026 Dalyell Professional Mentoring Program is open until 18 January 2026.

When you register, you’ll need to agree to the following commitments:

• you will be a currently enrolled Dalyell Scholar in Semester 1 2026
• you will fully participate in the program, including attending three mentoring sessions in Semester 1 and engaging in professional and timely communications with your mentor, your peers and staff
• you agree to let staff and your mentor know as soon as possible if you are no longer able to participate in the program due to unforeseen circumstances.

Further questions

If you have any questions contact us at careers.information@sydney.edu.au.