Marnie’s Experience with the Industry Mentoring Program
By Alex Hargreaves
Marnie was in her second year of Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources, when the Industry Mentoring Program sparked her interest. As her graduation date loomed closer, Marnie suddenly became aware that she lacked work experience and was determined to change this before the end of her degree. She read about the Industry Mentoring Program and could see that it had true potential to prepare her for the work force.
“As a student, I was quite shy throughout my years at university and found the thought of talking to professionals very intimidating. I wanted to get to know someone already working in the HR industry so that I could build upon my confidence and learn how to talk to people in a professional manner” She says.
Luckily, Marnie reports that she got a long really well with her mentor and felt at ease around him. She could see that he was passionate about ensuring that students in his field of study had the opportunity to undertake work experience and he was willing to take Marnie to his business meetings and provide her with real world examples that she could use for her assignments.
“By attending meetings with my mentor, I was able to apply the knowledge I learnt at university to contribute my take on things in the meetings. Attending the meetings helped me to understand to a greater extent why I was studying certain topics at university and how they applied to a real world context. The meetings also helped me to network with others in the company and as a result I made many professional contacts” Marie explained.
Due to Marnie’s enthusiasm and persistence during the program, she was able to land a full time job as a HR administrator in her mentor’s company straight after she graduated. Marnie has been working with the company for 6 years now and has undertaken various different roles during that time. She currently works as a HR advisor, assisting the recruitment team.
Marnie advises all Griffith students who are tossing up whether to apply for the Industry Mentoring Program to take the plunge and go for it. However, Marnie warns that there is no point in signing up if you are not going to immerse yourself in the program and make the most of it. She advises
“I see students come through the mentor program that just do it for the sake of it. I guess they think it will look good on their resume. Students with a blasé attitude never end up gaining employment when the program ends. If you show initiative and are eager to learn, there is every chance that you could land yourself a good job at the end.”
Marnie describes her experience with the Industry Mentoring Program as the best decision she made whilst she was still a student.
“The program literally kick started my career. Had I chickened out of applying, who knows where I would be working now!”
Griffith University Careers and Employment Service 
What a great testament not only to the power of mentoring but also to networking and proactivity. Well done Marnie and great story Alex!