Mentor for eChallenge

Lead the way for upcoming entrepreneurs! 

Do you remember what it was like to be a startup founder, a new business leader or team manager? The challenges, the highlights and the lessons learned since then? Now’s your chance to share this knowledge! Help students prepare for their next step – be an eChallenge mentor. 

Mentoring is a learning relationship between individuals focused on the mentee’s development and goals. As someone who has “been there before”, you will be able to assist current students in developing the confidence, knowledge and skills required to make a successful transition into industry. Mentoring can result in increased knowledge of the current job market, confidence and lifelong career management skills. 

Register your interest to mentor in 2024 today! 

Register Your Interest

  • Am I eligible to be a mentor?  

    We welcome expressions of interest from all industry professionals. You can be based in Adelaide, or interstate. You do not have to be an alumnus of the University to be involved. 

    Note that we work on a student group demand basis; your participation is subject to a suitable student group match. 

  • What are the participation requirements?

    Please note that the eChallenge mentoring program is conducted in a volunteer capacity. To participate you must:

    • Be available for 2 hours during one of our "Mentor Speed Dating" events (please check the linked ROI form for current dates/times)
    • Complete a program evaluation/feedback form

    Beyond these requirements, it is up to you to offer any additional meetings, individual support or access other professional development activities if you feel it would benefit your student(s). 

  • As a mentor, you benefit through: 
    • Personal satisfaction from helping and watching a team and its individuals grow and develop 
    • Exclusive ticket to the eChallenge Awards Ceremony in December 
    • Being tapped into the ThincLab and The University of Adelaide network 
    • Enhancing leadership and communication skills 
    • Demonstrating coaching and personal development abilities 
    • Giving back to your profession and community 
    • Networking with other mentors and future/current professionals 
    • The opportunity to reflect on your own career and personal aspirations 
    • Being recognised and appreciated for your expertise 

     

    Your organisation can benefit through: 

    • Increased visibility on campus 
    • Contribution to the development of emerging professionals 
    • Identify future talent for your organisation 
    • Up to date information on educational trends and university student culture 
    • Professional development opportunities for participating employees  

  • What are the responsibilities of mentors? 

    As a mentee-driven mentoring program, the eChallenge student groups will be asked to prepare for each meeting, set meeting objectives and provide progress reports where required. 

    Based on your mentee's needs, your role will be to facilitate their development and the entrepreneurial venture’s development by acting as a guide, advisor or coach. This can include assisting students to determine their venture goals, strengths and weaknesses. It can also involve sharing insights about your role, industry or work experience. 

  • What is expected at meetings? 

    The structure of the meetings will vary according to each participant's needs. Students will prepare discussion topics and activities to assist in progressing toward their goals; they will also be asked to prepare specific questions for each meeting and share these with you beforehand. 

    Face-to-face meetings are fundamental to the mentoring relationship. They should take place in a public or professional location that is mutually convenient for both of you, such as your workplace, a local café or university campus.  

    Meetings can also take place over video conferencing technologies like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Hangouts; the only requirement in these cases is that you hold these meetings in a quiet location.  

  • What support will I receive?

    The eChallenge team are available to assist you with questions, guidance and referrals throughout the program. Students are equally supported by all the eChallenge team. All participants will be briefed and receive a guide at the commencement of the program with tips for the mentoring relationship, interpersonal skills development and communication techniques. 

  • What skills do I need as a mentor?

    The mentoring relationship works best when participants can build rapport with one another whilst still completing program objectives. To this end, mentors need: 

    • Strong communication skills 
    • Ability to generate trust 
    • A willingness to invest time and effort into the mentoring relationship and their mentees development 
    • Patience and tolerance 
    • Ability to recognise and encourage the student’s unique potential 
    • Handle conflict effectively 
    • To value their organisation and their work 
    • A desire to share information and act as a resource 

  • Further FAQ

    Is there a cost to participate? 

    There are no fees associated with this program. Mentors and mentees are volunteers. You may incur incidental costs such as travel to and from meetings etc. These costs cannot be reimbursed by the university. 

     

    I am away for some time during the year. Can I still participate? 

    If you are able to commit to at least two meetings during a given round of the program, then we would love to have you involved. The timing of your absence is something you should make known during registration, and can be discussed with the eChallenge Coordinator. 

     

    Do I need to provide work experience to the students? 

    No. Our mentoring programs are intended to assist students with their career development rather than job training. Whilst work experience or employment may be a future outcome of your mentoring relationship, this is not a requirement or expectation for our programs. Students will be made aware of this. 

     

    What happens at the end of the program? 

    Any relationship requires closure. At your final meeting, you should discuss how and in what capacity your relationship may continue – e.g. only in a mentoring capacity or as professional contacts. It is up to you to decide and set this boundary. 

    You will also be asked to evaluate the program and your own participation, to assist us in ensuring the program's ongoing effectiveness and benefits.