Information for Mentees

The Momentum initiative runs for the duration of a Semester; in Semester 1 the bulk of the commitment runs from February to May, and in Semester 2 from August to November. Anticipated monthly time commitment is roughly 6-9 hours per month, depending on individual student investment.

No. Students participate in the Momentum initiative on a voluntary basis to develop industry-identified 'employability' skills and benefit from the advice and guidance offered by our experienced Industry Mentors. Students participating in Momentum do not receive course credit as part of this program.

Momentum focuses on the mentee's professional development with a focus on self-driven learning. The initiative teaches the benefit of a 'growth' versus a 'fixed' mindset. 

To succeed in this program, prospective mentees should:

• have the ability to plan ahead, commit, and follow-through;
• possess a genuine desire to learn and develop;
• hold excellent time management skills;
• possess an inquisitive and pro-active attitude;
• exhibit a willingness to invest time and effort into the mentoring relationship and personal development;
• be goal-oriented and focussed;
• be open to new ideas and constructive feedback;
• be willing to communicate and actively listen;
• conduct themselves professionally and;
• respect privacy and confidentiality.

Momentum Mentees are not required to pay any fees for their involvement in the program, however, may choose to outlay personal costs on professional attire and incidentals, including transport to and from meetings with mentors or networking events. These costs cannot be reimbursed.

Before submitting your application, you should carefully review the advertised compulsory Key Program Dates and milestones to see if they overlap with your anticipated travel. When submitting your application, you should confirm your anticipated or confirmed travel dates.

Momentum is designed as an intensive professional development program with a series of specifically curated compulsory workshops and milestones. Participants are required to successfully complete all program requirements to continue with the program. The absence of 1-2 weeks may mean both the mentee and mentor are unable to achieve the best results, complete milestones, and successfully complete the program.

However, life happens. If you have an unavoidable clash, appointment or unexpected illness, let us know so we can make sure you don't miss out on an opportunity or event. We will endeavour to catch you up so that you still get the most out of the program.

Each Momentum mentee will be matched with an experienced industry mentor. Matches will be made based on a number of factors. This includes learning style, meeting preferences, and anticipated areas for professional development. Matching may also factor in a shared academic background, career or work experience, career aspirations, and objectives for the mentoring relationship. Mentor matching is at the discretion of the Momentum team.

Mentors are industry professionals who have at least three years work experience. Some mentors may be alumni of the Australian National University and/or the ANU College of Business and Economics. Mentors may be based in Canberra, interstate, or internationally.

All participating students (mentees) are custom-matched with at least one mentor at the start of Momentum.

The number of Mentoring meetings you agree with your Mentor is flexible, but you should expect a minimum contact time of one hour per month. Mentors and Mentees may agree to meet more frequently or decide to email, or have phone or virtual contact between meetings. The Momentum mentorship formally lasts for the duration of the program.

On commencement of the program, mentees will receive a Momentum Mentee guidebook. This guidebook outlines numerous topics you may choose to use as a starting point to open discussions with your mentor, including understanding career pathways, professional skill development etc. The mentee guidebook also contains additional resources to assist in structuring and increasing the value of your mentor meetings.

Momentum Mentees will be guided by five themes released across the program. Your guidebook will let you know when they're coming, and you can use these to prompt discussions with your mentor. During your meeting, you may discuss and seek feedback on your themes and, carefully curating time, may also discuss a range of other topics with your mentor. 

We're in a virtual world! If you or your Momentum Mentor is not located in Canberra you may choose to connect via email or video conference technology such as Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime or WeChat.

No. Momentum is designed to assist students with their professional development, focusing on building and developing critical soft skills. Students and mentors may also work together to gain a better understanding of career pathways and to set students' career goals.

You should not expect or ask your mentor to provide you with employment.

We encourage all mentees to make the most of the time and valuable advice and guidance your mentor can provide. You may seek guidance and tips from your mentor on how to secure an internship or casual job opportunity.

Momentum is designed to assist in student skill development in a professional industry, and not as a means to gain employment with your mentor.

During your final Mentor meeting, you should discuss if, how, and in what capacity your professional relationship may continue. For example, in an informal mentoring capacity or as a professional contact.

All Momentum mentees who successfully complete the full program will be invited to attend a closing celebration to acknowledge the significant commitment and achievements of the cohort.