Mentor Program
The MSRF Mentoring Program has been developed to support young rural Victorians in their transition to university and in their career development.
It is anticipated that participants in the MSRF Mentoring program will be interested in returning to rural communities and becoming future rural contributors and leaders.
Mentors have volunteered to support a young rural Victorian and to share their experiences of being a rural person attending university and/or developing their careers in a rural or regional setting.
The MSRF Mentoring Program is available to scholarship holders and other scholarship applicants. Over time we will build a Rural Youth Mentor Bank (RYMB) where other young people can apply for mentors to support them at university anywhere in Victoria.
Transition Mentors are expected to support the mentee through the first year of attendance at university. The mentor will be available to assist with subject selection, advice on relocation to university town and other support. The mentor will seek out information to support the mentee.
Career mentors are expected to support mentees through later years of degrees. The mentor may provide insights into developing different pathways or elements in a career, they may provide advice on employment opportunities and they may assist building networks for the mentee in rural settings.
The purpose of the mentor/mentee relationship is to:
- provide help and advice to the mentee of the direction of studies, courses and suitable research avenues.
- monitor the mentee’s academic progress assist in goal setting .
- provide a brief report to the MSRF of the awardee’s progress and achievements at least half yearly.
- advise the awardee on short-term placements at other institutions/organizations during undergraduate studies as well as further studies beyond graduation.
- advise and assist the mentee on his/her career path after graduation.
- assist the mentee in preparing for and facilitating the transition from school to university (transition mentor) and from student to professional life (career mentor).
A more detailed description of the program is available by reading the MSRF Mentoring Program Handbook
Are you interested in becoming a Mentor?
We need mentors who have either a rural background or experience working in a rural or regional community.
We are looking for mentors from a range of career paths who enjoy working with capable, enthusiastic young rural people as they are embarking on their university studies or careers.
To become a mentor, please download, complete and return the MSRF Mentor Expression of Interest Form
Would you like a mentor?
If you have applied for a Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation Scholarship you are invited to apply for a mentor. If you think a mentor would help you in your transition to university or at a later stage in your degree, please download, complete and return the MSRF Mentee Application form
Please note: This program is in pilot phase during 2012. Participation is by invitation only. Participants will be selected based on the strength of their scholarship applications.