How you can be matched with a mentor in the Industry Mentoring Program

Pranith is an International student at La Trobe studying a Masters in Information and Communication Technology. Pranith has been an active student on campus taking advantage of a range of programs and opportunities from Career Ready workshops to volunteer roles as a Student Ambassador. Pranith joined the Industry Mentoring program in 2019 as part of his proactive approach to his employability professional development and engagement with industry. Pranith has shared with us some of his thoughts on the program so far.

[The Program] has been a huge stepping stone for me as I transition into a practical world where I apply all the thing I have learn at Uni and get feedback on the choices I have made. It has helped me understand my professional identity and has linked my Uni study to industry and the job market I aspire to enter.’
Pranith, La Trobe international student

Why did you want to be involved in the Industry Mentoring Program?

I joined the Industry Mentoring Program as I knew it would give me valuable experience and professional networks. I could develop a clear cut idea of what I am doing and what I can do to achieve my career goals. Through mentoring I could identify my career paths and get support for my professional growth.

What kind of structure have you and your mentor negotiated for the 12 week program?

We have discussed and set up a very good structure which matches both my study timetable and my commitment towards the program. We have met in a local café in the CBD which is feasible for both me and my mentor. We have discussed and established a plan which matches both of our schedules. As well as face-to-face, we also often get in touch via email and phone.

What are some of the topics you have discussed?

My mentor and I made a list of to-do tasks and goals which I plan to achieve before finishing the mentoring connection period.

Some of the topics we have discussed, include:

Current industry trends
Recruitment procedure of her company
Tips to excel in an interview
How to stand out from the crowd
Mock Interviews
Internships
How to get into a graduate role
Networking events
Ebooks and info about various industry relevant technologies
Professional Networks

My mentor went above and beyond the obligations of the program and provided me with amazing support and opportunity – I can’t thank her enough.

As an international student, what are some of the specific advantages you have gained from your involvement in the program?

As an international student it can sometimes be very difficult to find someone who can give feedback about the things we are doing and to help guide us professionally in the right direction. This is because often we might not yet have a professional network in Australia. Through the mentoring program I got a lot of help and guidance which has been very important to me. The most valuable part of this program has been the casual yet valuable conversations that I had with my mentor and the insights I gained. This includes practical and relevant knowledge about industry trends and recruitment process of various companies. This information cannot be found anywhere, not even on Google!

Would you recommend the Industry Mentoring Program to other La Trobe students?

Yes, I strongly recommend this program to all students. It has helped me understand my professional identity and has linked my Uni study to industry and the job market I aspire to enter. The program has motivated me to participate in other opportunities through Career Ready and in the wider La Trobe community. Industry Mentoring is a huge stepping stone of success for me as I transition into a practical world where I apply all the things I have learnt at uni and get feedback about the choices I have made. It has helped me a lot in overcoming barriers to industry engagement.