OLD MELBURNIANS
A two-way exchange of experience and knowledge
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ince July this year, 36 young Old Melburnians have been working with mentors to refine career goals, examine opportunities, tackle challenges, and prepare to take that next step through the Old Melburnians Career Masterclass. “Our goal is to harness the Old Melburnian network of experienced professionals to provide support, career development and networking opportunities for young Old Melburnians,” says Andrew Tulloch, President of The Old Melburnians. “We are fortunate to have esteemed author and career consultant, Bill Cowan AM (OM 1962), on the Old Melburnians Council, and he has helped guide and grow this program.” Here are the stories of two 2021 participants.
DAVID VAUGHAN: “YOU WANT TO GET A PICTURE OF THE WHOLE PERSON.” “If you’ve got a bit of community spirit, put your hand up and help someone.” That’s the advice David Vaughan (OM 1978) has for anyone considering being part of the Career Masterclass. “I’m sure most mentors would agree that we don’t have all the answers, but we can lend a guiding hand,” he says. “If I’ve gathered a little bit of wisdom from my life experiences, and I can assist someone with their future, why not?” A self-employed businessman and recently retired farmer, this program was David’s first point of reconnection with Melbourne Grammar since leaving school. He says the decision to participate was about paying it forward. “I’ve been mentored for at least 20 years, and the person I work with is practical, has common sense, and gives me homework to reflect on,” he explains. “Of course, you never know how it’s going to go until you actually do it, but I’m so glad I did.”
28 Melbourne Grammar School
David has been encouraging his mentee, Chris Okey (OM 2011), to think outside the box when considering his personal, career and community goals. “When you’re young and goal-driven, you can miss out on opportunities by focusing on a single career path,” he explains. “I’m trying to broaden the scope and vision for Chris, and to talk about life in general, not just professional success.” Already, David is beginning to see the benefits of volunteering as a mentor in his own life. “I’ve learned to listen, which is very important— the role of the mentor is primarily to listen and ask questions,” he says. “It’s been a learning experience for me to hear about Chris’s life, and I’ve made sure to impress on him that once this program is finished, it doesn’t mean the relationship has to stop there.”
“Volunteering in any capacity is good for the brain and good for the soul. It’s part of the fabric of life.” David Vaughan
