UTS Business Network

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Mentoring Program


The UTS: Business Network Mentoring Program enables members to take advantage of the diverse pool of experience and knowledge available within the Network. 

See on this page:

• Overview
• How and When to Apply
• Frequently Asked Questions


Overview


Each year the UTS: Business Network members have the opportunity to take advantage of the diverse pool of experience and knowledge available within the Network.  One such way this can be accomplished through is the Business Network Mentoring program.

Since its launch in March 2004 the mentoring program has been a resounding success with both Mentees and mentors providing consistently positive feedback.

The Network's mentoring program is an opportunity to develop a professional relationship between a mentor and a Mentee.  The mentor assists Mentees in improving their professional career outcomes by working together through discussion to discover and exploit opportunities, developing options, and taking appropriate action to achieve Mentee goals.


How and When to Apply


Applications (85k MS Word) for both Mentors and Mentees are taken at the beginning of each semester. Application closing on Thursday, 31st July,2008.


Frequently Asked Questions


Who can be a Mentee?
UTS: Business Network members both past and present can apply to be a Mentee in the Program. A Mentee must be willing to take on new responsibilities and challenges, and be able to accept feedback and coaching.

Who can be a Mentor?
UTS recruits Mentors with a broad range of work and life experience.  It is critical that a Mentor has a commitment to the UTS Code of Ethics, strong interpersonal skills, a thorough understanding of current issues faced by the university and its members, as well as a desire to foster personal and professional development.

Is there a cost?
Yes. We charge $78 as admin fee for the entire program (fees apply to sucessful mentee applicants only - mentees who accepted the offer after interview). This will cover the program materials, drinks and canapés as well as venue hire at all our meetings. However, all our mentors' services are voluntary basis.

Free of charge for all mentors.

How much time will it involve?
The UTS: Business Network runs two programs per year each 12 weeks long. We recommend that there is at least one bi-weekly mentoring session of up to 1 hour. A Mentoring session may lead to action points to which the Mentees must complete by the next proposed meeting; however this is all negotiated between the Mentee and Mentor. Mentees and Mentors are required to attend events and discussion group through the program and review session at the program conclusion.

What is the process for the program?

  • Once an application has been received it is reviewed by the Mentoring Steering Committee.
  • An introduction interview will be conducted by Mentoring Steering Committee members and some pervious mentors for Mentee applicants.
  • Mentees are matched to appropriate Mentors and informed of acceptance or not.
  • Mentees contact Mentors and go through the complete program outline.
  • Mentors/Mentees are asked to fill out the legal declamation form.
  • All Mentees and Mentors are asked to attend a Kick-off evening.
  • Mentors are invited to a dinner gathering approximately 3 weeks into the program.
  • On conclusion Mentees are asked to complete an evaluation for and possible one-on-one interview.
  • Mentors/Mentees will be asked to attend the closing celebration evening.

Who decides who will be admitted to the program?
The Mentoring Steering committee and some past mentors will be interviewing all potential participating Mentees and decide who will be accepted into the program. PLEASE NOTE:  Completion of this application form does not confirm that acceptance to the program.

How are Mentee/Mentors matched?
The criteria to match Mentee and Mentors is largely reacts. Mentoring Program Steering Committee will base on Mentee/Mentors' objectives and their professional/academic backgrounds to match up all appropriate Mentee/Mentors.

Can this be used as an employment program?
NO. The UTS:Business Network Mentoring program has NOT been designed as an employment program. Mentors are NOT there for the career consultation.

Where do we meet?
The meeting location is decided between the Mentor and Mentee.  It must be mutually agreeable; if no location is suitable you are able to use the facilities at the UTS Graduate School of Business.

What happens if I have conflict with my Mentee/Mentor?
If conflict cannot be resolved contact the UTS: Business Network Administrator.

Can I withdraw from the program at any time?
Either the Mentee or Mentor can terminate the program at any stage by giving written notice of termination to each other and the Network administrator. However, since places are limited we encourage that if you are applying it is in good faith that you aim to complete the entire program and its commitments.