August 25, 2023

Meet Business International Peer Mentoring Network (BIPMN) Coordinator, Kelis (Ngoc) Nguyen

Kelis (Ngoc) Nguyen is one of the Business International Peer Mentoring Network (BIPMN) Coordinators. Kelis shared valuable insights about the BIPMN program, its benefits, and some advice for enriching the students' the overall university experience.

Could you tell us about yourself and day-to-day work to support students? 

My name is Kelis (Ngoc) Nguyen, and I work in the Business and Law Central (BAL) at Sydney CBD Campus. One of my key responsibilities is overseeing the BIPMN program. This program focuses on providing support to incoming international students by pairing them with experienced International Peer Mentors who are students in the BAL faculty. Throughout the trimester, we organise a series of events for our mentors and mentees to interact, make friends, have fun and experience the Australian culture.

What are the advantages of being part of the BIPMN program for both mentors and mentees?

The BIPMN program is a valuable support and guidance that incoming international students receive during their university journey in a new country. With experienced mentors, mentees can navigate challenges more effectively, gaining confidence in their academic pursuits and personal growth.

Fo,r mentors, being part of the BIPMN program presents opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills, experience personal growth, and build a strong network. Guiding and supporting mentees not only reinforces subject knowledge but also allows mentors to contribute to their community. Additionally, mentors receive a certificate of participation signed by the Dean of Business, Professor Grace McCarthy and claim their contributed hours in UOWx.

We understand that moving to a new country and starting a university journey can be overwhelming, so our goal is to ease this transition by connecting incoming students with knowledgeable mentors to improve a sense of belonging and offer a platform for students to connect with each other.

Both mentors and mentees are invited to participate in a series of events throughout the trimester, where they can network, receive free coffee vouchers, free gifts, and attend various peer mentor and mentee events.

What steps do you recommend students take to prepare themselves before seeking your assistance?

I would recommend that students gather information about the BIPMN program via the Sydney Business School website, attend orientation session, or reach out to current mentors or mentees for insights. Students also should identify their specific needs to understand what they hope to gain from the program and mentorship before reaching out to BIPMN and their mentor.

Besides the BIPMN, what advice do you give to minimise stress and maintain an effective learning experience?

Everyone has a different approach to stress management. Personally, I believe one of the most important ways is to manage study time and create study schedules effectively. By setting realistic goals and prioritising tasks according to deadlines, students can reduce academic stress and improve productivity. Also, do not forget self-care practices such as meditation, yoga, and exercise. These activities can reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Taking care of yourself is important for a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.

What activities do you enjoy engaging in outside of work?

I love trekking and hiking on my days off. Australia is such an amazing place to explore and immerse in nature. I also find great joy in travelling and planning trips to discover new places and experience different cultures. Sometimes, to stay motivated and energised while getting things done, I love blasting out some rock music to keep my spirits high.