Become a Mentor!

An Invitation to join our Alumni Mentoring Scheme

We are seeking the assistance of John's Alumni and friends who are willing to register as Mentors to current students of the College or recent graduates.

Several students in recent years have been fortunate enough to have been offered internships or part-time jobs through direct contact with our Alumni. Others have received valuable mentoring and careers advice. Becoming a mentor and assisting a young person will help them achieve their dreams.

Younger adults look up to mentors. You will be able to assist them in their studies, as well as many other hurdles which might seem easy for you now that you have life experience. Mentors provide experience and friendship that is precious at a transformative in a young person's life.

If you believe you might be in a position to help our current students or young ex-students of St John's, we invite you to place your name on our business and professional mentoring register.

Current Mentors include

Andrew Blakemore - HUMAN RESOURCES

I am currently the Head of HR for the Australia/NZ region for Macquarie Group. My role covers all aspects of Human Resources delivery including recruitment as well as oversight of Global Employee Relations. I have been at Macquarie for just under 5 years and during this time also worked for 12 months in the US as of HR for the Americas and Europe. I have over 13 years experience in the HR field and worked previously for BT Financial Group/Bankers Trust. I would be able to provide support for Johnsmen/women looking for roles in the Financial Services industry and more generically in preparation for graduate recruitment, including CV/resume preparation and interview techniques.

Peter Brown - AGRICULTURE

I have a degree in Agricultural Science from Sydney University. My background is in agricultural consulting both within Australia and internationally. I have been involved in working with farm families in dealing with the issues of agronomy, livestock management and farm finances. Internationally, I have worked with AusAID, the World Bank and ADB on rural development projects throughout southeast Asia.

Dr Robert Chapman - DENTISTRY

I am interested and available as a mentor for dental students who may be attending St John's and are from the Hunter Valley Region. I am available at our practice in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region. I have been a specialist orthodontist ( B.D.S. , MDSc ) since 1978. The orthodontic practice that I and Robert Cerny (another Johnsman) own and run, is one of the largest in the State and well known throughout Australia and overseas.

Dr Fred Clarke - MEDICINE

Graduated Uni of Sydney 2000. Currently Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Trainee RPA/Westmead. I would be pleased to guide Johnsmen with Medicine/Surgery training.

Phil Davis - SOCIAL WORK

Former soldier, Johnsman '99, Social Worker, graduate of University of Newcastle. Employed as a Child Protection Caseworker with the NSW Department of Community Services since 2004. Trade Union Delegate of the NSW PSA, Member AASW, Member ALP (NSW), Member IPAA (NSW). Practicing Roman Catholic. Married and father of one future Johnswoman. Committed to the values of Social Justice & Deontological Ethics. Motivated to providing mentor duties for students enrolled in Social Work, supervise field placement offer insight into career development.

Matthew Devine - ARCHITECTURE

Since graduating in architecture from the University of Sydney, I have been involved in architectural and heritage conservation projects, working in small - medium size commercial architectural practices and the Government Architect's Office, as well as working in policy and advocacy roles with the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects - NSW Chapter. I have specialised in heritage conservation and have worked on a wide range of projects in this field from small alterations and additions to the restoration of major public buildings and memorials.

Ben Heuston - BUSINESS / DIGITAL MEDIA

I am an Australian Board Director at EMAP and run their digital properties (web and mobile) for brands such as FHM, New Woman, Tracks, Zoo and Mother and Baby. I am a chartered marketer, have an Arts/Law degree from Sydney Uni (1992) and an MBA from Cranfield University (2000). Any students wanting to learn about general management, digital media or publishing works are welcome to contact me.

Hon Joe Hockey MP - POLITICS

I am the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and have been the federal Member for North Sydney since 1996. I have offices in Parliament House, Canberra and North Sydney. My electorate covers an area stretching from Cremorne Point to Gladesville and north to Willoughby. As a Member of Parliament I assist local residents and businesses with the dealings with the Australian government and also in helping the local community improve services. Students interested in learning about the political process would be very welcome in either office.

Robert Kelly - ENVIRONMENT

The area I work in is natural resource management and environmental services related to agriculture and compliance-related activities. I am available to offer assistance to students in understanding the types of careers that are available in these areas as well as the possibility of work experience.

Dr Knox Kim, JP - DENTISTRY

I am happy to provide career advice / work experience opportunity for any dentistry or oral health students. I run a private dental clinic near Town Hall train station in the city, having graduated BDS in 2000. I have also been involved in teaching dentistry students (University of Sydney) at our teaching hospital (Westmead/ Surry Hills).

I would be very happy to offer a treatment fee discount arrangement for any St. John's college staff/ students/ ex-students.

Sam Musgrave - ACCOUNTANCY

B.Com (Accounting & Commercial Law), employed by Lawler Partners Chartered Accountants as a Supervisor in the Business Advisory Services division. Some of the things we do at Lawler Partners: Business Planning, Succession Planning, Business Development, Information Technology, Franchise Services, Business Recovery and Insolvency, Audit and Assurance, Taxation Services.

We also have a dedicated research and marketing division called CMP Lawler who provide the following services: Research, Market Development, Strategic Planning, Feasibility Studies, Social Impact Assessments, PR and Event Management, HR/Workplace Agreements, Various other services to the Hospitality and Gaming Industry.

Dr Peter Shuji Tazawa - VETERINARY SCIENCE

I am an equine vet on the Central Coast where I am a partner at Wyong Equine Clinic. My wife is a small animal veterinarian also and she was a Women's College resident. I would welcome the opportunity to offer support and guidance in this field.

Dr Juan Varela - DENTISTRY

I am a dentist in Cowra NSW and can assist and advise students who undertake, or consider undertaking, a dental degree.

Contact us to register your interest in our mentoring program, or for further information.