About the Career Mentoring Program
Our Career Mentoring Program is designed for people with disability aged 18 and above, providing tailored guidance and support to empower individuals at any stage of their professional journey. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning between roles, or looking to grow within your current field, this program connects you with experienced mentors to help you achieve your goals.
Getting into the workplace can be intimidating at the best of times, especially if you’re approaching a serious job opportunity. Knowing how to craft your resume, handle an interview, and meet expectations if you get the job are things we all have to learn.
When you sign up for our Career Mentoring Program, we’ll connect you with a mentor from one of our member organisations who has advice and wisdom to share.
We’ll find the right mentor for you, based on your location, the industry you’re looking to work in, your goals and other factors.
Join the waitlist for the mentoring program
“I felt lost navigating the Australian job market alone, unsure of the path or which doors to knock on. Knowing that someone experienced and empathetic was there to guide me, someone who recognized and celebrated the journey and effort I’d put in without judgments made all the difference—it helped me value my efforts in the job search and boosted my confidence.”
Small commitment, big result
In this mentoring program, you decide what to focus on with your mentor. Over six to eight meetings across 16 weeks, you can explore a variety of topics, such as starting your career, crafting your CV, refining job interview techniques, understanding how a business operates, identifying workplace adjustments that could support you, and defining your career path. The program is tailored to your needs and goals, with your mentor providing advice and coaching to help you succeed.
Key dates
- Mentee applications open: January 2025
- Mentee applications close: 16 March 2025
- Mentee Briefing: March – April 2025
- Program Launch: April 2025 Mid-program check-in: June 2025
- Closing Event: August 2025
Join the waitlist
Applications for the Autumn 2025 program open in January 2025. Join the waitlist to be notified.
For more information, contact our team at applications@AusDN.org.au, or call 03 8270 9200.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking about doing one of these programs to take advantage of the opportunity to grow, not only in the professional way, but also in your internal values and your internal skills.”
Join the waitlist for the mentoring program
Hear what some of our mentees have to say.
Frequently asked Questions for Mentees
Eligibility
Question 1: How do I know if I am eligible?
Answer 1: To participate:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a disability, mental health condition, or chronic illness.
- You must be committed to developing your skills and experience as you work with your mentor during the 4 months of the program.
- You will need to provide the Australian Disability Network with any relevant disability information and any details about adjustments or modifications you may need during the program.
If you require any adjustments to participate in the program that has a cost, such as an Auslan interpreter, this cost will be covered by your mentor’s organisation.
About the Program
Question 2: How much time will it take up?
Answer 2: The Career Mentoring Program runs for four (4) months. During the program, mentors and mentees need to:
- meet six (6) – eight (8) times during the program,
- meet during business hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekdays),
- meet with each other for one (1) to two (2) hours.
- The schedule of meetings may change based on the mentee’s goals for the program.
- You are also expected to attend a 60-minute online briefing at the start, and a 90-minute networking event at the end of the program.
Question 3: What do mentors and mentees do together?
Answer 3: The primary activities between mentors and mentees include open and meaningful communication and collaboration. Your meetings will focus on discussing your career goals, receiving guidance on job application processes and exploring career and education pathways.
Common activities during the mentoring program include:
- reviewing resume and cover letters
- practicing with mock interviews
- visiting worksites
- networking with other professionals
- discussing workplace adjustments
- building confidence
Each meeting is tailored to your needs and goals, ensuring a supportive and productive mentoring experience.
Applying for the program
Question 4: When should I apply to be a mentee?
Answer 4: The matching process takes place in early March and early August each year. It is recommended that you apply ahead of those months
Question 5: How do I complete the application form?
Answer 5: To submit the application form, create a Mentorloop profile and fill in all the required fields with accurate information via the link provided on our website.
In 2025, we are excited to introduce Mentorloop as the new platform for managing applications for our mentoring program. We believe that Mentorloop will enhance the quality of the program experience for all our participants.
If you have any questions about submitting an application, please contact our Programs Team at applications@ausdn.org.au or 02 8270 9200.
Question 6: Who should I contact if I have any issues?
Answer 6: If you have any issues or problems during the mentoring program, contact the AusDN programs team at applications@ausdn.org.au or 02 8270 9200.
Other Information
Question 7: When do I find out who my Mentor Is?
Answer 7: We will provide you with your mentor’s contact details once we have found you a suitable match and you have attended the Mentee Briefing session. The 60-minute online briefing session will give you more information about the program and what to expect.
Question 8: What will happen when I am officially matched with a mentor?
Answer 8: Once you and your mentor have been officially matched, you will both receive a message with all the information needed to start your mentoring journey. It will include:
- Your mentor’s contact details Any necessary workplace adjustments
- Details about the Career Mentoring Practical Workshop for mentees
- You will also receive a Handbook and other resources.
Question 9: How should mentors and mentees communicate?
Answer 9: Communication is flexible and determined by what works best for you and your mentor. During your first meeting, you’ll discuss and agree on the most suitable ways to connect, using the provided Social Agreement document as a guide. For face-to-face mentoring, sessions can also take place at the mentor’s workplace if that suits both of you.
Question 10: Who is responsible for managing the mentoring relationship?
Answer 10: Managing the mentoring relationship is a shared responsibility, but it’s beneficial for the mentee to take the lead as a valuable development opportunity. Once matched with a mentor, the mentee should make the initial contact via email. During the first meeting, you’ll work together to set meeting dates, times, and program goals using the Social Agreement document. The mentee should also maintain regular communication and track actions and outcomes after each meeting.
Question 11: How do I ensure the mentoring is successful?
Answer 11: To make the most of your mentoring experience, consider the following tips:
- Set realistic and measurable goals: clearly define what you hope to achieve through the program and regularly review your progress
- Maximise the time available: come prepared to each meeting with topics, questions or updates to discuss
- Be honest and open: share your challenges, aspirations and feedback with your mentor to foster a trusting and productive relationship
- Show mutual respect: value your mentor’s time, expertise and insights while also respecting your own growth process
- Set clear expectations: discuss and agree on meeting frequency, communication methods and goals during your first meeting using the Social Agreement document
- Maintain open communication: keep discussions transparent, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or advice when needed.
- Be proactive: take initiative in scheduling meetings, following through on agreed actions, and seeking feedback.
- Embrace feedback: view constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth and development
- Reflect and adapt: Regularly assess the progress of your mentoring relationship and adjust your approach as needed to stay aligned with your goals.
- By taking an active and collaborative approach, you can ensure your mentoring experience is meaningful and successful.
Question 12: Can I stay in contact with my mentor after the program has finished?
Answer 12: Some of our mentees and mentors continue to stay connected after the program has finished. However, this is not a requirement nor an obligation. It is up to you and your mentor to make this mutual decision at the end of the program.
If you or your mentor chose not to continue to connect after the program has finished, the End of Program event is the best time to officially close off your partnership.