Information for Mentors

Most people say that they gain as much from mentoring as they give to the program.  And they are not just talking about the free food!  There are a number of inherent rewards that motivate people to participate.

What Peer Mentoring offers you

Being a peer mentor for the University of Adelaide's SmoothStart program offers you the opportunity to:

• Improve your leadership skills
• Enhance your self confidence
• Develop skills that will help you achieve some of the Graduate attributes;
  • Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication
  • A committment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community
  • An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities
• Increase your own knowledge of University resources and services
• Engage in the University community
• Get to know other staff and mentors
• Increase your chances to find other work opportunities within the University
• Gain formal recognition of your skills through a certificate and presentation ceremony at the conclusion of the program
• Receive a cash reward at the end of the program through participation in core activities
• Have fun!

Mentor stories

“I speak regularly to two of my mentees from first year mentoring who are going strong at uni and loving it.  The program was there to support them”

“I just know that SmoothStart will continue to help students”

“It was an enjoyable experience and I learnt some great skills for the future..”

“I felt good knowing that I helped someone in a similar position that I was in..”

“All the meetings were fun and laid back and the free food was always welcome”

“I got to make friends with a new bunch of people - both mentees and mentors.  Being able to help other people overcome first day jitters was good too.”

“I gained confidence in leading and encouraging a group of people that I didn’t know well initially.”