When Griffith Bachelor of Government and International Relations student, Chelsea Bennett, heard about the Industry Mentoring Program, she knew it could be an important step in developing her career. “I have always been very passionate about helping disadvantaged members of the community and protecting the fundamental human rights of those who do not have adequate protection; with a particular desire to work with refugees. This is a very broad field and I was unsure on what steps to take in order to get into a position where I can make a difference. This is why I acquired the help of the Industry Mentoring Program.” Chelsea found a knowledgeable and supportive mentor in Dylan Hubbard, a Senior Policy Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “The Industry Mentoring Program has taught me a number of valuable skills which I will carry with me throughout my academic and professional careers. My GPA has increased significantly as a result of the critical thinking and academic writing skills I have developed through the program and I now have a set plan which I can strive to work towards before graduation. Having this plan has made my University experience feel a lot more intentional and valuable.”
With Dylan based in Canberra and Chelsea studying at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus, their collaboration unfolded online. “The fact that the Program allowed me to connect with a mentor online meant that Covid19 restrictions were not an issue for me meeting my learning objectives.” Chelsea said “Dylan’s support enabled me to achieve so many career and academic goals, like improving my writing skills, building relevant networks, and even gaining the role of Vice President of the Government and International Relations Society.”
Dylan has a history of looking for opportunities to make a difference, with early participation in a wide range of community organisations and NGO’s setting the stage for his career in politics, international relations and public policy. “It has been an honour to be a Mentor to Chelsea. She has shown an incredible willingness to seek out both career and study advice (and use the advice!) and has actively pursued extracurricular experiences related to her field of study.”
Dylan stresses that the benefits of mentoring are reciprocal. “Taking part as an Industry Mentor has been a fantastic opportunity to support future Griffith graduate leaders. In addition, participating as a Mentor has helped me to reflect on my own experiences and to better understand what steps I should take to achieve my own career goals – teaching someone else has been a great way to continue my own learning.”
Applications for the Griffith Industry Mentoring Program are open now. Please visit https://griffithmentoring.xinspire.com/programs/imp/register to join.
Griffith University Careers and Employment Service 