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First in Family mentoring program
If you're an economics student and are the first in your family to study at University, you can access professional guidance and support through mentoring.
- Economics First in Family mentoring program
- What happens next
Economics First in Family mentoring program
The First in Family mentoring program will run again in Semester 2 2023. Please check this page closer to Semester 2 for updated advice about how to apply.
The First in Family mentoring program is designed to provide support to find your direction and plan your career as you near the end of your course and prepare to leave the University.
Teaming up with our alumni will give you the opportunity to seek advice on what kinds of careers you can have with a degree in economics, as well as advice on skill development, CV’s, interview skills and what can be expected from working in the professional world.
How the program works
You will be paired with our alumni mentors based on your future goals, experience, interests and your reasons as to why you need a mentor.
You will receive one-to-one mentoring from one of our alumni. Mentors have been selected from our alumni based on their life and work experience, and come from a variety of industry sectors. All our mentors have an economics background from university, showing you where a degree in economics can take you.
You will also have the chance to meet other alumni, mentors and mentees to network and learn from each other through other School events.
What's involved
The Program runs for five months, from August to December.
During the program, you'll need to:
- attend the program launch to meet your mentor
- meet with your mentor at least once a month during the program
- attend one-on-one catch-up with the program coordinator
- submit two reflective journal entries on your experiences during the program
- attend the program's graduation event.
Launch event
An opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet for the first time. You will get a chance to introduce yourself and have a chat about what you both hope to achieve by being involved in the program. You will also get a chance to meet other first in family mentees and mentors in the program.
Meeting with your mentor
You are expected to meet with your mentor at least once a month – you can meet more often if you and your mentor have availability to do so. You will be expected to contact your mentor and initiate the setting up of meetings at a venue that is convenient for both of you.
Spend some time getting to know your mentor in your first meeting. Find out more about their life and work experiences - how did they get to where they are? Your mentor will also be interested in you so reflect on how your own story and aspirations fits with their bio and achievements. Remember, it is a conversation, not an interview.
Program co-ordinator catch-up
In mid-October, you will be required to attend a one-on-one catch-up with the program coordinator to check in and discuss your progress in the program. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have.
An online poll will be used for you to indicate your availability. Your mid-program catch-up is a mandatory activity.
Reflective journal
Reflection is an important part of the mentoring program. You will be expected to submit two entries during the program as outlined in the key dates.
Your reflective journal is a chance to note down key information such as advice from your mentor, resources and contacts. Reflective journals are not a description of events but more a reflective analysis of your thoughts and responses to your experiences during the program. You will be provided advice around writing a reflective journal and some examples at your briefing session. The only person who will read your reflective journal is the program coordinator.
Eligibility
To apply for this program, you'll need to:
- be enrolled in your second, third or fourth year of the Bachelor of Economics or a degree within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with an Economics, Financial Economics, Agricultural and Resource Economics or Econometrics major
- identify as the first in your family (parents, grandparents, siblings) to attend university.
How to apply
As part of your application, you will be asked about why you want to join the program as well as about your experiences both in and outside the University. You will also need to submit an up-to-date CV.
Applications are currently closed. The First in Family mentoring program will run again in Semester 2. Please check this page closer to Semester 2 for advice about applying.
Last updated: 31 March 2023
