A new initiative is linking all first-year Co-op scholars with successful alumni from the prestigious industry scholarship program, helping to boost connections and career prospects. 

Since its inception in 1988, UNSW’s Co-op Scholarship Program has seen more than 2700 high-achieving students go on to work in leading companies including Coca Cola, American Express, Cochlear, Sydney Water and the Reserve Bank.

“Mentors are in a fantastic position to provide current industry insights from their existing roles at leading companies and organisations both nationally and globally,” says Co-op Scholar Manager Michelle Morris.

“They provide scholars with a much needed bridge to understand and extract every ounce of value from their time in industry placements because they have walked the path before them,” she says. 

First-year Co-op scholar Mathew Palmer was excited to meet his new mentor, Calvin Ng, a technical analyst at data analytics company Quantium. It’s a field he aspires to work in.

“The mentoring program has given me the opportunity to ask questions about working life that might be out of place in a more corporate setting,” says Matthew, who is studying Computer Science. 

“Calvin has given me a range of great advice, including tips on how to transition into a management role later in my career. We talked a lot about working in different teams and with different kinds of people,” he says. 

Co-op scholars receive $16,750 per annum for a minimum of four years – current offerings span 24 areas in business, engineering, science and the built environment.

Along with industry experience, the Co-op Program incorporates leadership training and professional development opportunities. 

The new mentoring initiative, available to all first-year scholars, also offers benefits to alumni including the opportunity to reconnect with the program and share their insights and experiences.

“It's rewarding to be able to use our experience and knowledge to help guide the scholars through the program and to hopefully provide some useful advice,” says Co-op alumnus and mentor Cynthia Pow who currently works at media company OMD Australia.

“It's reassuring for scholars to know they have someone to talk to about their experience, who is easily accessible, and has been through the exact same thing,” she says.  

Candidates for Co-op Program scholarships are selected not only on the basis of their academic ability, but also their communication skills, motivation and leadership potential. More information about applying for a Co-op Program Scholarship is available on the Co-op Program website.

Media contact: Leilah Schubert, UNSW Media Office, 02 9385 8107.