Student Peer Leader Network
Learn more about the Student Peer Leader Network, their peer-to-peer careers and employability events and services, and how to become a peer leader.
Who are the peer leaders?
As part of the Student Peer Leader Network, peer leaders deliver a range of services, programs, and events to support the student community in the following areas:
- Careers and employability
- Study abroad and exchange programs
- Melbourne Talks English language and culture program
- Partnership and collaboration with student groups
- Supporting various student initiatives relating to transition and wellbeing.
Melbourne Talks
Develop your English language skills and learn about Australian culture and academic life with other students through fun, peer-led activities. This free program is open to all international students new to the University of Melbourne. Please visit Melbourne Talks for program information and dates.
Drop-in/Zoom-in to the Careers & Employability Studio,
Drop-in/Zoom-in to the Careers & Employability Studio ,on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings to speak to our peer leaders and get advice and help with creating your resume, preparing for interviews, finding jobs and internships, and navigating key employability tools. Check Careers Online for session dates and times.
LinkedIn Photobooth
Need a new headshot for your LinkedIn profile? Student Peer Leader Network offers a LinkedIn Photobooth service for Unimelb students. Attend the Careers & Employability Studio to get your digital headshot taken. Bookings are essential. Please log on to Careers Online to check available times.
Mock assessment centre
An interactive workshop designed for students to practice and engage in several simulated group activities. Gain firsthand experience in commonly assessed tasks, plus lots of tips on what assessors look for. Delivered both virtually and in-person. To view session details and to register, visit Careers Online.
Partnerships and collaborations
Student peer leaders also partner with other teams across the university to support various student initiatives relating to wellbeing, work rights and skill development, and social interactions. The free meal packs program has been supported by the Student Peer Leader Network since the start of the pandemic and it aims to provide students in need with access to free food.
Student clubs and societies can send their requests to facilitate workshops for their members by emailing requests to: peer-leaders@unimelb.edu.au.
Year in review (2022)
Watch our Year in Review reel for a glimpse of the activities and events we were involved with in 2022.
Click a picture to find out a little more about the peer leaders.
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How can I become a peer leader?
Applications for the Student Peer Leader role are open from Friday 2 June to 11.59pm Sunday 18 June, 2023.
Please visit Careers Online to access the role advertisement, position description and instructions on how to apply.
Student Peer Leader Testimonials
"As an international student, finding jobs and internships was a daunting process for me. However, after receiving knowledge about the university resources regarding careers and employability, the process became much easier for me. A big part of my job is to help students relieve stress related to careers and this aspect of the job resonates with me the most." — Chai
"Being a peer leader is truly rewarding as it gives me the opportunity to make substantial contributions to the student community. The inspiring stories of my fellow peers and students also make this a wonderful learning experience." — Nami
"The best aspect for me is the variety of work that you undertake and the roles and responsibilities that come with it. From being a facilitator for workshops to planning events with other peer leaders, you never know initially what’s in store for you." — Aayush
Contact us
For more information about the Student Peer Leader Network and the events, please email peer-leaders@unimelb.edu.au.
Chai
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I was finding ways to be more involved with the university and its community. Especially after starting uni during the pandemic, it became hard to stay connected with everyone. SPLN offered me a role that not only adds purpose to my university life but has provided me with some great friends.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? As an international student, finding jobs and internships was a daunting process for me. However, after receiving knowledge about the university resources regarding careers and employability, the process became much easier for me. A big part of my job is to help students relieve stress related to careers and this aspect of the job resonates with me the most.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I always look forward to meeting new people and having a conversation with them. Just getting to know the perspective of others on any topic is exciting in itself. Listening to a broad range of experiences and opinions helps to broaden my knowledge and be more open to exciting opportunities.
Julia
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? With a passion for community engagement and collaborative learning, I am grateful for and proud of being part of the Student Peer Leader Network where I have the opportunities to help my peers by sharing my own experiences, learn from others, and work with an amazing team of highly motivated individuals.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Student Peer Leader Network is a welcoming community with a supportive culture encouraging students to participate in and take ownership of various learning opportunities where I interact with peers from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? Discovering new meanings while meeting mew people and visiting new places is an absolute joy for me, and I enjoy observing and uncovering beauty in the natural world and interdisciplinary areas. These experiences often spark creativity, new ideas, and meaningful collaboration which itself is an artistic process.
Aardra
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? This has been a chance for me to give back to the university that has been supportive in my endeavours. To also improve upon my interpersonal skills through working directly with my peers was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up!
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? We are in a unique position to interact with students in a meaningful way, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the impacts of our work on students that goes onto helping them in achieving or navigating their goals.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I’m an avid musician and love spending time practicing my craft and performing. I sing, and play the piano and clarinet. Making music is a great hobby for socialising and alleviates stress.
Janice
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? Inspired by the amazing Melbourne Talks, I refer to joining the student peer leader network as a valuable chance to develop and refine my interpersonal and employability skills while also giving back to the student community by sharing my own experiences.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? It has been particularly rewarding to work in a team with other outstanding peer leaders, and gradually learn to be more resourceful.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I am passionate about cultural diversity. As an international student, I am looking forward to working as a bilingual healthcare worker in Australia upon graduation and making services more reassuring for ESL speakers.
Phuong
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? One of my biggest motivations to join the Student Peer Leader Network is the opportunity to reach out to more students and offer them the assistance they need. Being in their shoes once, I understand the difficulties and discomfort they are experiencing. Student Peer Leaders are the exact role to fulfil my goal.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? The range of diverse projects that I had to contribute to helped me learn to be more adaptable, resourceful, and versatile. It feels amazing to be able to immediately see that my efforts are directly supporting other students.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I am passionate about the field of science and as an aspiring researcher in the paediatric medicine field, I am driven by my desire to mitigate disease in one of our most vulnerable populations. I am currently undertaking a research project aimed at understanding microbial changes following pneumococcal vaccination in children from Mongolia.
Aayush
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? Becoming a peer mentor and helping new students navigate their first year at the university was an enriching and highly rewarding experience which made me realise that I had to be a part of the program in some capacity to continue helping students.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? The best aspect for me is the variety of work that you undertake and the roles and responsibilities that come with it. From being a facilitator for workshops to planning events with other peer leaders, you never know initially what’s in store for you. Working with peers from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise is a wonderful experience and sharing that experience with students has been highly valuable.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? Reading books on different topics from business to politics to psychology has been my hobby for a while. A new passion that I developed is Formula 1. I say it’s a passion because I not only watch the races, but I spend time analysing the logistical challenges, engineering challenges and problem-solving techniques which has opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed.
Katrina
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I was (and still am) quite overwhelmed about careers and transitioning out of my undergraduate studies. I found navigating these topics less stressful when I attended workshops offered by the Careers and Employability team. I thought it was a great idea to incorporate a student perspective in the workshops through the SPLN and I had to get on board!
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Without a doubt, meeting students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Whatever degree or country students come from, it’s always nice to chat about relatable experiences of being a student trying to navigate uni and life beyond.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I love to dance, though I’m just a beginner. I love that I get to feel music through movement. I joined my first dance studio only this year as I don’t think it’s ever too late to start doing what makes you feel good.
Jane
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? The enormous impact of student peer leader network is a major motivation for me. I believe in the importance of community and peer to peer support during a challenging time. Connection, transition and workplace readiness is such an essential factor for every student to be prepared and confident when facing new challenges that are yet to come. Personally, I have benefitted greatly from the employability and career pathway related sessions peer leaders have been providing. Therefore, I wish to help my peers to thrive and enter the workforce with more certainty and self-esteem as well.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? I love the healthy working environment the team fosters. Feeling supported is essential to working accomplishments and advancements.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? Hiking in the nature hits so differently! It is both physically and mentally therapeutic. I can say that nature keeps my grounded.
Nami
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? When I first came to UniMelb, the peer leaders were among the first people I met. I greatly benefited from their support and encouragement, which motivated me to pay it forward by providing my support to other students.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Being a peer leader is truly rewarding as it gives me the opportunity to make substantial contributions to the student community. The inspiring stories of my fellow peers and students also make this a wonderful learning experience.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I am passionate about designing development projects that address inequalities and promote meaningful social inclusion. As a Master of Development Studies student, I aim to develop impactful and sustainable interventions that meet the needs of its beneficiaries.
Shinjini
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I know firsthand how difficult university life can be, and often find myself reaching to my peers for support and advice. The SPLN allows me to be that same support to other students, and to hopefully make their uni lives a little bit easier.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? SPLN projects enable me to engage face to face with students of diverse backgrounds, courses and interests. Hearing their stories is always a valuable and rewarding experience
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? As an International Politics and Media major, I’m passionate about fighting for social change. In the future I hope to be reforming legislation, publishing important yet unheard stories, and continuing to make the collective voice heard at rallies and protests.
Thao
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? As an international student, I understand the struggles that incoming students are going through. I hope to make it easier for these students so that they can experience the wonderful things that UniMelb has to offer.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Working with other peer leaders who are confident, motivated and hardworking inspires me.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? Visiting new countries and experiencing life from different perspectives are what I am passionate about.
Nawshaba
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? In the past, I have used some of the SPLN facilitated services such as the careers workshops and Fresh Food program. These programs were very helpful for me, and I wanted to play a role in supporting the same resources for others.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? I like that I’ve had the opportunity to develop my communications and problem-solving skills.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I like to crochet in my free time! I’ve made plushies, hats and cardigans.
Andrew
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I joined the SPLN to give back to the University of Melbourne. There are so many opportunities out there, and sometimes as students we just need a little bit of advice to point us in the right direction. As a student myself, I'm aware of how overwhelming university life can be. As a Peer Leader I'm keen to help point you in the right direction!
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? One aspect of being a Peer Leader that I have enjoyed the most is the people that I have been able to surround myself with. This doesn't just stretch to the lovely staff, but seeing the students that you've helped around campus and catching up with them has always been a very welcome treat as a Peer Leader. Whether that be students that I've taken a LinkedIn photo for, or students that I've been able to interact with Global Learning, meeting new people is always a lovely experience!
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I love all sorts of sports, even the weird ones! Whether that be soccer and basketball, all the way to field hockey and ultimate frisbee. Feel free to strike up a conversation with me about anything you like, maybe even some F1 or any other sports you might be interested in.
Olivia
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I have struggled with different parts of university life, including transitioning from high school, careers as well as branching out of my discipline. I understand the difficulties and sense of ‘feeling lost’ that many university students may experience, SPLN offers an opportunity for me to help those students.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Working with a diverse range of peers with different backgrounds and experiences, I was able to explore different perspectives of many social and cultural discourses. I am constantly learning from my peers and developing a better sense of university life and beyond.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? Oil painting is one of my childhood passions, I love to Plein air and Australian impressionism, it allows me to study traditional paintings as well as get a better awareness of my surroundings. My other interest is fencing, I’d say it is becoming a long-term passion of mine, it is a sport that challenges me physically and mentally.
Delwyn
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I was definitely motivated by the diverse array of activities we get to involve ourselves in! The job never gets boring, and who wouldn’t want an exciting job?
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Never get too comfortable! I personally have the most fun trying new things and challenging myself.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? People! Getting to know them, learning about them, everything in between! Ironically, that led me down the Psychology major path, but you don’t have to be one to appreciate everything people have to offer!
Dishani
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I love meeting new people, and one of the best parts of being a peer leader is getting to know students from all walks of life. I am so grateful for having the chance to give back to the community around me and meet my fellow peers who have inspired me in numerous shapes and forms!
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? What I’ve enjoyed the most about being a Student Peer leader is the involvement within the University community. It is a chance to give back to everyone around me through offering services like Melbourne Talks, LinkedIn Photobooth and many more! Seeing my peers around me smile means the world to me!
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I love to make pottery! I find it so relaxing and so rewarding to create an artwork that you then can use in your cupboards, bedroom and anywhere really!
Terry
What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? What motivated me to be a SPL is that I wanted encourage students to make the most of their time in university and equip them with the right tools and knowledge to be successful either in their studies or in the workplace in the future.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? I had the opportunity to do a diverse range of work and activities such as delivering workshops and helping with the Fresh Food projects. I also love meeting students from all walks of life! As an international student I love learning about other’s cultures and experiences from around the globe.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? One of my core passions is to constantly explore! The world is bigger than you think, and I seek to one day learn all about it to become someone that is well-rounded and rich in perspectives.