USQ puts out call for industry mentors

Kerian McNamara Snr Partner of McNamara & Associates Solicitors

USQ is looking for industry professionals to step forward and help students prepare for their transition from university to employment by becoming an Industry Career Mentor.

Potential mentors have until 26 March to register in the USQ Career Mentoring Program where they will be matched to students studying in similar fields with similar interests and location.

USQ Career Learning Consultant Tammy Muckert said a mentor had a great opportunity to invest in the lives of others and contribute to a student’s future.

'They can provide counsel, insight and guidance and act as a sounding board for ideas or plans that may affect a student’s career,' she said. 

'The mentoring extends for a period of approximately six months, beginning in April and concluding in October. After this time, the student and the mentor may elect to finalise the mentoring relationship or extend it beyond this period.

'One of the best things about mentoring is that it fosters the development of relationships which benefit both the mentor and the student.

'Many of the business’ who participate in the program use it as a recruitment tool, although there is no expectation of employers to provide a job at the end of the experience.'

Senior Partner of McNamara and Associates Solicitors, Kerian McNamara said the firm had found the program to be an excellent recruitment tool in the past.

'We are always looking for bright young students to become long term members of our team,' he said.

McNamara and Associates participated in the 2009 program, providing Law student Rebecca Zafir with work experience at the firm.

'While Rebecca was with us we aimed to give her as much Court experience as possible. We feel it is important that students receive a general insight as to what legal practice is actually like.

'Students are able to get an insight on the practical legal world and become better lawyers because of it. We would recommend other employers, particularly law firms become involved in the Career Mentoring Program as it helps the profession generally.

For further information on how to become involved with the Career Mentoring Program phone (07) 4631 5347.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096