Business students will get first-hand insights from industry professionals, through an innovative mentoring program which links undergraduates from the Australian School of Business to experts in their chosen field.

The new six-week program aims to equip students with an invaluable insider’s view of their future careers, by pairing them up with mentors from leading firms such a Westpac Institutional Bank, Deloitte, PwC & Investec.

UNSW student Stephanie Khoo, a Bachelor of Commerce/Law student, for example, is being mentored by Lily Wang, a member of the Specialised Capital Group at Westpac Institutional Bank.

“Ms Wang is well equipped to provide me with down-to-earth advice on the intricacies of the finance sector, which she has gradually learnt over the course of her career,” says Ms Khoo.

“As part of my first mentoring session I was lucky enough to be able to lunch at the trendy café on the 15th floor of Westpac's new head office.”

“Aside from the brilliant views, we discussed a range of topics, from the different career avenues in finance, options for further education, and certification after finishing your basic degree.”

Ms Khoo says an important feature of the program is having a mentor who is a specialist in her chosen major.

“The strength of this program lies in its flexibility, and the relationships that the mentors and mentees form,” she says.

UNSW Commerce Society (COMSOC) Careers Director, James Hu, says the program helps students understand the practical application of what they are learning in a classroom.

“Pairing students up with someone with a similar educational background, who knows what lies ahead, will help guide students in their career choices,” says Mr Hu.

The mentoring program officially ends on 18 September with a completion ceremony, however Mr Hu hopes the program will foster long term relationships between students and their mentors, and help them get a foot in the door