Mentoring Program 2023

Want to benefit from the advice and guidance of a highly experienced mentor? Join the RACI Mentoring Program. Applications for 2023 are now open.

What is the program?

Our Mentoring Program offers students and early career chemists a wonderful opportunity to gain unique knowledge and insights from industry experts, and develop their careers. The response from mentors and mentees is overwhelmingly positive to the program, with both benefiting from the experience. The program will match mentees with a one-on-one mentor with whom they can engage during the duration of the program. Mentees will gain access to their mentor's network and experience through communication with their mentor. The mentor is not expected to find their mentee employment but will offer the benefit of their advice and experience to them.

This is reflected in the fact that in the last few years, 80% of our mentoring program graduates have found a job within one month of graduation.

How does it work?

The program involves regular guidance and support (every few weeks), typically via calls and occasional casual meetings. Zoom catchups may replace face-to-face meetings during COVID restrictions.

This guidance is geared towards career support and advice including the process of finding a first job or your next career move. The mentor is not expected to offer you a job or find you employment.

The mentor will also offer support through developing professional networks, such as exploring networking opportunities. Typically the mentor will introduce the mentees to RACI contacts and include them in conversations at RACI events.

You will also have access to the mentoring program resources webpage packed with helpful tools, articles and links. 

Become a mentor

With the RACI Mentoring program now open nationally, we are now more in need of mentors than ever before. Dave Sammut shares his thoughts on the benefits of being a mentor in this article titled Mentoring: Success encouraging success. Read the article now.

We've put together a video below on what it means to be a mentor in the RACI Mentoring Program. Please watch the video and you can also contact the Mentoring Team for general information and any questions.

Are you ready to be a mentor in the 2023 Mentoring Program? Simply contact the Mentoring Team and let us know. 

Making the most of the program

Mentoring is very much a two-way process. Remember, mentors are volunteering their time so as a mentee you need to be respectful of this and equally committed to the program. That means being an active participant and bringing your energy and enthusiasm to all activities, including taking part in networking events.

The Mentoring Program is ideal if you are in your final year studying chemical sciences or are already an early career chemical scientist.

As a mentee you don't need to be the top student in your class. You just need to be focused on creating a good start to your career, and be willing to put in the effort to achieve that.

How do I join?

The program is run annually across Australia, with applications accepted through this website from August to the end of October. Applications for the 2023 Mentoring Program are open now. 

You must ideally be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or have the intention to stay in Australia after your studies cease, to get the best out of the program because it is focused on the Australian job market. You also need to be a RACI member. Further information on the application process can be found on the application page.

Please email the Mentoring Team with any questions.