The advantages and benefits of mentoring are abundantly clear, both for the mentee and the mentor. The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (www.raci.org.au) runs a small mentoring programme concept, with extremely successful results. Both the mentor and the mentees report an extremely positive experience, particularly in job-readiness and tangible outcomes (professional network and job interviews versus other graduates).

The RACI NSW Branch has up to ten spaces available in the 2017 Mentoring Programme for young scientists keen to develop industrial / commercial careers. The programme involves:

• Regular guidance and support (every few weeks), typically via calls and occasional casual meetings.
• Support in developing professional networks, as example through facilitated networking (the mentor generally introducing the mentees to RACI contacts and helping include the young scientists in conversations at RACI events).
• Career support & advice.
• Advice and support throughout the process of finding a first job.

To read more about the RACI Mentoring Programme 2017, click here