MENTORING

Industry Partner Mentoring Program

Connecting Laboratory Medicine students with alumni and industry professionals.

Overview

Overview About the Program Mentoring Community Get Involved

Overview

The Industry Partner Mentoring Program supports fourth-year Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) students during their final-year placement in accredited diagnostic pathology laboratories.

Through one-on-one mentoring, students are connected with alumni industry professionals who can provide informal guidance, career insight, encouragement and support as they navigate their placement year and prepare for their future careers as Medical Scientists.

About the Program

The program brings together current fourth-year Laboratory Medicine students with alumni and industry professionals working across diagnostic pathology.

Mentors provide guidance from the perspective of someone with experience in the diagnostic pathology industry. They help mentees reflect on their placement experience, set professional goals, explore career pathways and build confidence as emerging laboratory medicine professionals.

Mentoring pairs are encouraged to meet approximately once per month during semester time. Meetings can take place online via Microsoft Teams or in a neutral, open and public space.

Why Mentorships Matters

For mentees, the program provides an opportunity to:

receive guidance from someone with industry experience
develop professionally throughout placement
build confidence and reflect on career goals
expand professional networks
gain insight into the organisational culture of diagnostic pathology laboratories

For mentors, the program provides an opportunity to:

support the next generation of Medical Scientists
give back to the Laboratory Medicine community
develop mentoring, communication and leadership skills
stay connected with Flinders University and emerging graduates

Our Mentoring Community

Our mentors are alumni and industry professionals who generously share their time, experience and knowledge with students. They work across a range of diagnostic pathology disciplines and provide valuable perspectives on professional practice, workplace culture and career development.

Hannah Gapps

Medical Scientist, SA Pathology
Immunology - autoimmune

Why I mentor: “I became a mentor to support students through placement, helping them understand the roles and expectations of the field. I also wanted to help students find their voice and have someone they could ask questions they might not feel comfortable raising with university or laboratory staff. As a student, I found it difficult to know who to talk to, so I wanted to provide the support I would have valued.”

Rosie Holmes

Medical Scientist, SA Pathology
Transfusion Science

Why I mentor: “I found it very beneficial to have a mentor when I was completing my placement and wanted to provide the same support I received for someone else.”

Verynnia Neilson

Medical Scientist, SA Pathology - genomics

Why I mentor: “Having the opportunity to support someone who is much like I was, eager to learn and develop their knowledge for an area they’re passionate about, is incredibly rewarding. I believe that cheering alongside and encouraging students to keep learning can positively impact their future through celebrating their achievements and focusing on their personal goals.”

Kiarna Hanlin

Technical Officer, SA Pathology
Immunology

Why I mentor: "I wanted to support students through their final year of university, share my passion for laboratory medicine, and help them find a career path that excites them and allows them to thrive.”

What's the Program Structure?

At the beginning of the mentoring relationship, mentors and mentees complete a Mentoring Agreement to define expectations, meeting preferences, communication boundaries and confidentiality.

Mentees are responsible for setting the agenda for each meeting. Discussion topics may include:

progress and challenges during placement
specific questions or topics for guidance
goal setting and action planning
career pathways and professional development
preparation for entering the diagnostic pathology workforce

At the end of the program, mentors and mentees are invited to provide feedback through a survey to help strengthen future iterations of the program.

Get involved

We welcome expressions of interest from alumni and industry professionals who would like to support fourth-year Laboratory Medicine students as mentors.

Mentors may also be eligible to gain professional development recognition through the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) Australasian Professional Acknowledgement of Continuing Education (APACE) Scheme for their participation in the program.