Making a difference through mentoring

Finishing university can be an exciting step into the unknown. How do I get my dream job? How do I use my skills to make a difference in the world?

In many ways the world is your oyster, however the road to getting your foot in the door can be tricky.

Having access to the knowledge and expertise of someone who has been where you are, and is actively working in the industry you hope to work in can be enormously beneficial to a student who is navigating their way through this

In response to this Monash University established the Betty Amsden AO Mentoring Program. Dr Betty Amsden AO was one of Victoria’s most visible and vocal advocates for philanthropy. Passionate about mentoring younger generations to become future leaders, Betty provided a generous seed gift which made this program possible. Each year, 20 students who have shown leadership potential and have experienced educational disadvantage are supported through this program. They are matched with Monash alumni mentors who provide one-on-one mentoring with a focus on industry knowledge, networks, career planning and personal development.

Binil Mathews took part in the program in 2023. He was coming to the end of his degree in Commerce and Biomedicine at Monash University, and despite trying his best to secure a graduate position, he had not yet been successful.

“I was nervous during interviews and I wasn’t performing well. When I heard there was a mentoring opportunity, I felt this was a good opportunity to be guided by someone in the industry.”

Binil was paired up with Christina Yong, a Monash alumna with more than 15 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. Christina knew how previous mentors had helped her blossom in her career, and was driven to help others achieve their goals.

“In the last 15 years of my career, I have had mentors who have helped me along the way,” explains Christina. “The one thing they have always said to me is look, you don’t need to thank me for what I’ve done for you, but please help the next person.”

After meeting at the induction breakfast for the mentoring program, Binil and Christina would meet up fortnightly in person and online. They identified Binil’s goals and began a plan of attack to help set him apart from the rest.

“We first focused on understanding me as a person. We made mind maps about my strengths and weaknesses,” says Binil. “That really allowed me to understand what I was looking for in a role and it really allowed me to connect the dots and find a role that aligned with my values. We also then focused on improving my interview skills. Christina was able to give me feedback on how I could improve.”

The support ensured Binil felt confident and well prepared when it came to the graduate recruitment process at the Commonwealth Bank. Even on the day of his interview Christina was there to guide him, taking time off work to talk him through the company’s values and products. Binil feels it gave him a competitive edge - particularly in the group interview. He was successful in securing one of the bank’s graduate positions.

Why mentor?

It was a drive to support others that motivated Christina to take part in a mentoring program.

“It’s just very simple, I just want to help someone. It’s also an opportunity to give back to the community; to help the next generation progress.

“I just want to see people being successful,” she continues. “If that person is successful, my management skills are good and I’ve made a difference. If they are more successful than me, that’s even better. I know that my leadership is on the right track.”

The mentoring program has also helped Christina develop her communication skills. “I have learned that every student is very different so you need to find a way to communicate with them in a way that is easy for them to understand. When you are in the workforce you have to communicate with different people in different ways.

“It also helps you learn what the new generation are thinking. I have learnt a lot from Binil as well so it’s a win-win situation.”

It’s because of all this that Christina would encourage other alum to consider giving back and supporting others through a mentoring program.

“I definitely encourage alumni to participate in this program. You are helping the next generation to get into the job they want. I think that is a very good sense of achievement. You know that you have helped someone to achieve their goals and dreams.”