The Social Impact Project: alumni mentoring

Help develop the next generation of social enterprise leaders – mentor an Arts student team in the Social Impact Project, a social enterprise planning competition from The Big Issue.

Learn more about the Social Impact Project (formerly The Big idea) from previous Arts student participants.
Bachelor of Arts students from the winning team
Winners of the 2019 competition: Bachelor of Arts students Declan Lawlor, Hazel Lee, Caitlin Donaghue-Evans and Lilian Walker.

About the Social Impact Project

The Social Impact Project is an initiative of The Big Issue, Australia’s longest standing and most significant social enterprise. The Big Issue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that develops solutions to help homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people positively change their lives.

In this competition, university students develop a concept and business plan for a new social enterprise. As they immerse themselves in the world of social enterprise, they receive expert advice from our presenters and judges, helping them to build the practical skills and experience they need to make a difference.

Become an alumni mentor

Mentors provide advice and support to one or more student teams throughout the competition, including during the business planning process and in preparation for the internal university judging pitch.

As a mentor, you'll be required to:

  • Make contact with the team leader(s)
  • Attend the first team meeting
  • Provide feedback on a draft of the written social enterprise plan and practice pitch
  • Maintain fortnightly communication (such as a phone call, email or other digital communications) with one or more team contacts based on your agreement with that team – possible set-ups include the team leader(s), a team member, or multiple contacts within the team.

This is a great opportunity to mentor current Arts students and support them to develop critical industry skills.

The time commitment is approximately 10 hours over a three-month period. As well as your mentor support, students also have access to a variety of resources and learning hubs.

If you would like to participate in this opportunity, please complete an expression of interest by Monday 25 July 2022.

Get involved

More information

For additional information, please contact Megan Carney, Work Integrated Learning Officer: megan.carney@unimelb.edu.au.