Testimonials

“I was paired with an intelligent and enthusiastic Commerce student for the year. We met regularly to discuss my mentee’s professional development goals, and I was able to provide insights from my experience of applying for graduate positions and starting full time employment after graduating. The programme is flexible and provides mentees with resources on suggested topics that we can discuss, such as navigating first jobs, resilience, and networking. As well as building a relationship with a talented student, I also attended the programme’s networking events. This provided the opportunity to meet other mentors and mentees, and to hear from the programme’s guest speakers, leading women in business.”

“Participating in the Women’s Mentoring Programme has been a gift. Whilst I hoped to be able to share some experiences that might help my mentee in her journey, the reality is that I have learnt a tremendous amount about myself. Walking into the first event and meeting my incredible mentee, Liv, was an exhilarating experience. We shared an instant connection. That's no coincidence because the Business School are experienced in making great Mentor-Mentee matches.

So I found myself spending time with a young woman who I somehow felt I knew already. In turn, Liv shows me a reflection of my younger self and reminds me of what it felt like to stand in her shoes. On the cusp of embarking on a career, she and her peers share in many of the same questions I had as a student. A big difference is that the Women's Mentoring Programme now exists to give those questions a safe environment to throw around ideas and perspectives. It is a privilege to be able to participate in the conversation and, importantly, make one thing clear to our young grads: while many skills can be learnt, what cannot be taught is personality. In Liv, I am so excited to see how her journey unfolds. Her vivacious, outgoing and tenacious personality will be a priceless asset to her future employees. In my opinion, fostering a sense of self-belief and good inner judgement is the most important support a Mentor can give. As the Programme closes, I've met some wonderful people. And above all, I've met someone who has encouraged and supported me too. I've made a friend for life. If you're wondering if Mentoring is for you, simply ask your younger self if having a mentor would have been valuable. I think you know the answer!”
 

“It has been an extremely rewarding experience coaching and mentoring Christine, an accomplished pianist and a Bachelor of Commerce student. Initially I was a bit worried that I couldn’t impart enough technical skills with her in her industries of interest because I was in a different industry. It has turned out to be a really good match anyway (from my perspective at least). We share cultural similarities and we both left our parents and home (Taiwan for her and Hong Kong for me) at a young age to study overseas on our own. I admire her independence, work ethic, resourcefulness and I know how it feels to be away from one’s support system.

I shared my journey navigating the NZ workplace as an Asian woman who migrated here later in life, how I adapted to the culture, how I built relationships with people very different from me, how I deal with the ups and downs in life as well as my fears and insecurities. Sometimes we talked about what we were learning in uni and how to work / lead effectively in group assignments as we are both studying! As I mentored and coached Christine, I also learnt through self-reflection. There have been times when life got quite tough and I questioned whether I could still be a good role model for her. (Spoiler alert: I showed up as my authentic self anyway.) Thank you for putting your trust in me and it has been a privilege!

Another wonderful element of the programme is the opportunity to meet and network with many impressive women in business who are keen to give back and empower each other. We had monthly events and we always had a good time. I encourage any women in business in Auckland to give this a go - You won’t regret it.”