Student Mentor Program

What postgraduate students (mentees) said:

I wanted to meet new people. I wanted to get as much help as possible in the beginning. The Mentors were really engaged in the welcome week
Arne, Germany – Master Law

I was new at Deakin University, and coming from a different system of education. This was the smartest move for me to hit the ground running. I did not ant to feel so out of place and not be sure of how to go about, selecting and managing my units, as well as plan ahead. I wanted to know what to expect in my 1st semester and remove that fear and anxiety that comes with new environments.
Tendayi, Zimbabwe – Master Professional Accounting

I would have to say that the friendships which I have formed as a result of being mentored has been the most rewarding for me. Having a strong and supportive social base makes the transition back to university a lot less overwhelming and gives you confidence that whatever challenges lie ahead will be easier to go through with others alongside you.
Marcel, Canada – MBA

Building a good social network of friends.
Naomi, Kenya – Master International Business

You feel as though you belong. It is as if l was always here. I was never new, only in the eyes of my mentor.
Tendayi, Zimbabwe – Master Professional Accounting

I found that a successful relationship with your mentor involves regular attendance at meetings and being prepared to ask plenty of questions. Mentors are students just like us who have likely faced similar obstacles as we now experience, so take their wealth of knowledge to your advantage. In business language, time with your mentor is an investment that pays dividends in spades!
Marcel, Canada – MBA

You must enrol for the mentorship program, because you learn so much and get to interact with extremely fun and intelligent people.
Naomi, Kenya – Master International Business

I can only say that... the Mentor Program is the only boat in the storm. Just get on that!!! All the mentors keep rocking. You all have made our stay in Deakin a more beautiful experience. Last but not the least... Robin my sincere vote of thanks to you.
Ahmad, India – MBA (International)

Being made an example of. Allow me to explain. My mentor always emphasized keeping your valuables close at hand. One day I was studying in the library when unbeknownst to me, my mentor noticed that my wallet was exposed from my jacket pocket. He then proceeded to read me off the numbers of my student ID which I keep in the wallet which had me questioning how he knew such detailed information about me (my mentor is good, but not that good!) I learnt a lesson that day for sure!
Marcel, Canada – MBA

Study notes and tips which l got from my mentor. I did close to all my work and assignments in the first 4 weeks and did not procrastinate, because week 7-10 are so busy. Everything is due and this is when you need to start revision for exams.
Tendayi, Zimbabwe – Master Professional Accounting

The meeting and to know that you can ask questions and somebody knows the answers or at least where to go asking.
Arne, Germany – Master Law

What postgraduate mentors said:

I would like to experience more things and I would like to test myself in a practical way and apply what I used to study and perform to the people. I believe that communication is the most important way to link with other people.
Jenny – Master Information Systems

I would like to share my study experience at Deakin University, building larger connections, as well as to learn to improve my leadership, interpersonal, and other skills.
Sylvia – Graduate Diploma Accounting

I wanted to use this opportunity to share my experiences and extend my learning capabilities. At the same time develop feedback and leadership skills that are extremely critical in an organisational environment. It is about developing the people you work with and your competencies.
Shiraz – MBA/Master Commerce

Try to talk, no matter what, there is no such thing as silly questions as people from all around the world have different ways of thinking, therefore its important to communicate and know what the new student is thinking and what they want to achieve now that they are studying abroad.
Jenny – Master Information Systems

Use this opportunity to develop your skills and at the same time you provide insights and assistance to new students. It will assist you in prioritization of tasks, multitasking, increase your confidence and be proactive in your approach. It provides all round development critical for your success. It gives you the opportunity to network with other students from diverse & varied backgrounds.
Shiraz – MBA/Master Commerce

Was having made two good friends, it is humbling to know that both of them look forward to being mentors themselves next semester
Renuka – Master Information Systems

Was that this program can be a significant assistance to the new students in facilitating them with skills for successful study at Deakin University.
Sylvia – Graduate Diploma Accounting

When the team told me that even though the program was coming to an end they would like to continue interacting with me and meeting up. The ability to successfully carry out the objectives outlined in the program and having the students see the value of it and benefit from having an early head start on their journey as Deakin Masters students.
Shiraz – MBA/Master Commerce

I achieved precious experience communicating with others who I did not know before, and learned how to host a meeting with others.
Shaun – Master International Business

The training day, although, it's difficult to pick one particular aspect; it was more of a cumulative experience as we progressed through the week. The training day not only prepared us for the responsibility, but provided a sense of comfort as we realised that at some point in the past, all of us had been through similar experiences and help was available...or maybe even a patient ear.
Renuka – Master Information Systems