How mentoring changes lives
We often think of mentoring as having specific benefits in one direction: a mentor helping the mentee in their professional development journey. However, as an experienced mentor explains, the benefits go far beyond that, impacting both participants in varied and positive ways.
The lesser-known impact of mentoring
The mentor perspective
Xinyu Dai graduated a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) in 2017. He describes participating in the Talking with Aussies program during his time as a student as being formative to his realisation that mentoring can reach beyond simple professional assistance. "Although the initiative was originally designed to help international students improve their English, our weekly conversations went far beyond that—covering various aspects of Australian society, economy, politics, and culture. This comprehensive exposure not only deepened my understanding of Australia but also enriched the insights I later passed on to my mentees." Xinyu still communicates with his mentor monthly to this day.
“If you feel that you are not yet sufficiently competent or professional to take on the role of a mentor, I would encourage you to start immediately." -Xinyu Dai, Career Access Mentoring Program mentor
Xinyu begun mentoring shortly after graduation. Having now experienced both sides, he continues to mentor through the Career Access Mentoring Program and other programs alongside his work. He a strong advocate for the benefits of mentorship for both the mentor and the mentee.
Mentoring plays a pivotal role in the experiences of many students, but Xinyu says we should not forget the positive benefits that flow back to the mentors through their participation. As an experienced mentor, Xinyu Dai says that aspiring mentors shouldn’t underestimate the personal and professional growth this role can offer them. “I've gained so much — from the obvious benefits of professional networking to a level of personal growth that only I truly understand. On the interpersonal front, I have had the opportunity to guide several dozen students one-on-one, which has expanded my network. As a result, I have been invited to participate in various events — from online panels to in-person workshops.”
Since beginning his mentoring journey, Xinyu has only redoubled his commitment to this valuable professional activity, and enjoys knowing that the impact of mentoring also reaches beyond the two participants, expanding the impact event further. "When nurturing an exceptional mentee, the positive impact ripples through their professional influence circle – they may cultivate future talents.”
Shaping careers at vital crossroads
The mentee perspective
Adrien Felix graduated a Bachelor of Information Technology (majoring in Cyber Security) in 2024, and is now a Sales Support Officer at Chamonix IT company. He says that participating in the Career Access Mentoring Program during his studies improved not only his industry knowledge but also his confidence in his own abilities. His work with his mentor ultimately helped him to figure out what he was looking for in his first career move.
When Adrien was in his penultimate year of study, he knew he was already looking ahead to finding a job after graduation. He knew there was a gap between his years of study and the world of work. “The mentoring program helped me bridge the gap between university and the professional world,” he says. “My mentor shared insights that gave me a clearer understanding of industry expectations, which was something I could not fully grasp from coursework alone. Their guidance helped me make more informed decisions about my career and how to navigate my first steps into the workforce.”
"...having a mentor gave me the support I did not even realise I needed,”Adrien Felix, Career Access Mentoring Program participant (mentee)
Adrien, whose mentor had been in to workforce for several decades, says his mentor helped him to reframe that challenging entry into work with abundant passion and knowledge. “With over 20 years of industry experience, [my mentor] was engaging, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he did. He made the idea of joining the workforce exciting rather than overwhelming. What stood out the most was how up-to-date he was with industry trends—his insights were not just theoretical; they were backed by real-world experience across many different areas.”
Adrien’s mentor helped him find clarity about where his interests could lead, and what career paths might give him fulfilment. This iterative process helped him narrow down his options, and ultimately led him to his current role.
“Beyond that, having a mentor gave me the support I did not even realise I needed,” says Adrien. “It was reassuring to have someone experienced to turn to when I had questions or doubts about my next steps. The conversations were valuable, not just for career advice but also for building confidence in my own abilities,” says Adrien. “Looking back, the biggest takeaway was personal growth. Speaking with my mentor gave me a fresh perspective, challenged the way I approached opportunities, and helped me feel more prepared for what was ahead.”
Words for future mentors
"A single conversation can change the way someone thinks about their career or give them the confidence to take the next step... Your mentees will appreciate it more than you know.” Adrien Felix, mentee
When it comes to what qualifies you to be a mentor, Xinyu Dai says, “If you feel that you are not yet sufficiently competent or professional to take on the role of a mentor, I would encourage you to start immediately. It is through the act of mentoring that you will quickly develop your skills in every area—be it technical expertise, time management, communication, or interpersonal abilities.”
From the mentee side, Adrien urges potential mentors not to underestimate the impact they can have. “You might not realise it, but the simple things you do can have a huge impact. A single conversation can change the way someone thinks about their career or give them the confidence to take the next step. Keep up the great work! Your mentees will appreciate it more than you know.”