Charting My Mentorship Journey: Transformation from HDR Mentor to Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA) Founder

Participation in the HDR Mentors

During my PhD studies at Macquarie University, I was eager to participate in the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Mentors program for several essential reasons. I recognised the value of establishing robust support systems, broadening my network across different disciplines, and reducing the sense of isolation often experienced during the PhD journey. I applied to join the HDR Mentors program, motivated by my previous experience supervising students as a lecturer in my home country. My portfolio and background in student supervision played a key role in my shortlisting as a mentor candidate. I vividly recall the interview process with Dr. Md. Mohasinul Haque, Coordinator of HDR Mentors, which took place in the university library. During the interview, we discussed the significance of the mentorship program and its impact on HDR students.

Following my acceptance as a mentor, I participated in a training session in June 2018. The training was designed to provide a thorough understanding of effective mentorship practices. These training sessions encompassed a range of topics, including the articulation of a mentoring philosophy, aligning expectations and assessing understanding, maintaining effective communication, fostering cultural diversity and awareness, establishing appropriate boundaries between mentor and mentee, navigating the emerging field of online mentoring, promoting independence and professional development, staying connected beyond training, and reflecting on mentoring competencies. These sessions were facilitated by an expert team and provided a strong foundation for my mentoring approach.

Reflecting on my PhD journey, I am grateful to note that I completed my PhD with the award of having my thesis accepted without any corrections or revisions. This significant achievement was, in part, made possible by the invaluable learning experiences and insights I gained through participation in the HDR Mentors program. The mentorship and support I received not only enriched my academic development but also contributed directly to the quality of my research and the successful outcome of my thesis examination.

My learning journey as an HDR Mentor concluded in November 2020. At the end of the program, I was honoured to receive a certificate presented by Professor Simon Handley, Pro Vice-Chancellor for HDR Training and Partnerships, accompanied by Kim Tan, Program Manager of HDR Mentors. This recognition marked the culmination of my commitment to supporting fellow research students and reflected the valuable skills and experiences I developed throughout my participation in the mentorship program.

I shared my experience in the HDR Mentors program at https://indonesiamengglobal.com/2020/07/berbagi-kisah-di-program-doktoralphd-saling-menguatkan-melalui-program-mentoring/

Establishing the Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA)

Building on the knowledge and skills gained from the HDR Mentors program, I founded the Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA) after completing my PhD. The GRMA is dedicated to enhancing research experiences for students at my university, UNNES, and beyond. This platform is designed for both Master’s and Doctorate students, offering opportunities to:

1. Join a research community, minimise a sense of isolation, and improve the intellectual atmosphere,
2. Develop peer-level support and foster a scholarly community between Master’s and Doctorate students,
3. Elevate and share the graduate researcher experiences,
4. Provide peer support training, including mental health resources, career development, and other professional and personal development opportunities,
5. Create networking opportunities among Master’s, Doctoral students, faculty & staff members, alumni, and industry professionals.

To support research students and individuals interested in broadening their academic and professional engagement, we organised a series of webinars covering a variety of topics. These sessions were designed to facilitate learning and encourage participation from attendees across different disciplines, and the events are free of charge. I am sincerely appreciative of the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants, which confirms that the program has played a meaningful role in helping them navigate their research journey more effectively. For an example of one of our activities, please go to: https://blog.unnes.ac.id/sandyunnes/2025/02/09/graduate-research-mentoring-academy-grma-2/

Alumni Mentoring Program

Recently, I completed a six-week Alumni Mentoring program organised by Macquarie University, furthering my commitment to giving back to my alma mater. The program commenced with a mentor orientation and was officially launched in September 2025. This pilot initiative brought together 150 nominated students from undergraduate and postgraduate programs, alongside over 40 alumni who were selected for their diverse backgrounds and expertise from around the globe. The orientation was instrumental in preparing me to engage with my assigned mentee, emphasising the importance of guidance and support throughout the program.

To participate in this program, it is a requirement that I complete the Mentor Online Learning Module through Macquarie’s learning platform (ProLearn). This module is essential for ensuring that all mentors are adequately prepared and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide excellent support to mentees. I have successfully completed this module, scoring 100 out of 100, which demonstrates my commitment to upholding the highest standards within the mentoring program. This achievement not only highlights my commitment to delivering high-quality support to mentees but also shows my ongoing efforts to continually enhance my mentoring skills and to constantly learn. By engaging fully with the module, reflecting on prior experiences, and striving for excellence, I continue to invest in my professional growth and hope to make positive contributions to the development of my mentees.

The Alumni Mentoring program is structured around four core focus areas designed to support and empower students as they progress through their academic and professional development. These focus areas include supporting the development of employability skills, career planning tools and techniques, building confidence and resilience, and reflection and action planning. To read my personal reflection on this experience as an alumni mentor, please visit: https://blog.unnes.ac.id/sandyunnes/2025/11/20/macquarie-graduate-futures-mentoring-program/

Mentoring Capability

Drawing on the mentoring skills I have developed, I have discovered a strong connection between mentoring, coaching, and supervising students. These experiences have positioned me effectively to provide guidance and supervision to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Having supervised students through various levels, from undergraduate to doctoral theses, I have become more confident in my supervisory capabilities and gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the supervision process. My goal is to ensure that every student I supervise has a rewarding experience throughout their academic journey.