Unbound Professional Fellowship

Exceptional education experiences belong not only with students, but with learners of all ages.We believe we should never stop learning.

Program Overview:

Through our new Unbound Professional Fellowship program we are inspiring collaboration between education and business and connecting experienced mentors and the next generation of leaders.

We invite all professionals from early to late career in all sectors to join our international programs and network of inspiring innovators. Getting involved as an Unbound Professional Fellow is personally and professionally rewarding and provides both students and employees with the opportunity to learn, develop, and expand networks. Professional Fellows will advance their own professional and business development; expand networks in Australia and Asia and develop collaborative partnerships with educational and social enterprise sectors; and support students to develop innovative projects tackling the most pressing challenges of our time.

Professional Fellows will be invited to:

Join an international program in Asia experiencing the beautiful landscapes and peaceful communities of Vietnam; the inspiring social enterprises of India; or the innovative social impact business tackling urban growth challenges in Thailand.
Mentor undergraduate students and contribute hands-on to our collaborative community/partner/student humanitarian engineering, social enterprise, and sustainability-related projects.
Expand networks and connections in Australia and Asia with our partners and extensive networks of innovative businesses, community-based tourism organisations, educational institutions, and social enterprises.

On return to Australia:

The Unbound team and expert international and Australian partners will provide tailored business development or leadership training for the Professional Fellow’s organisation. In true Unbound style it will be fun, engaging and informative. Unbound are able to design workshops on a range of topics connected to leadership, community and teambuilding; inspiring innovation, enterprise and intrapreneurship; and engaging with the social enterprise sector and Asia.

Professional Fellows will also be invited to join Unbound’s international growing business and social enterprise network and alumni, and be involved in unique social enterprise and business networking and training events in Australia.

Start your application right here!

Why Become a Professional Mentor?

Professional development

Experience learning out of the workplace, conference, or workshop environment. Get hands on and develop or enhance skills in design-thinking, social enterprise, leadership, sustainability, and international innovation.
Contribute your skills and expertise to students’ international or Australian projects focused on social enterprise and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Business networks

Engage in-country with innovative international partners involved in advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction, community development, and experts at design and development of innovative solutions to global challenges
Expand Australian business networks and met and network with like-minded professionals who share a passion for our field through Unbound’s extensive Australian and international networks and events

Student mentoring

Provide technical or business mentoring to undergraduate students studying a range of disciplines, from Engineering to Business, Marketing, and Medical Sciences.
Support the career development of a student by sponsoring a place for their attendance on an Unbound program, an invaluable global experience for their CV and future career in a global environment.
Organisations with an interest in continuing to mentor students and provide opportunities such as internships will be supported to do so. However ongoing commitments as a mentor is entirely flexible and dependent on availability and interest in ongoing mentoring.

A snapshot of our partners and network

Unbound has incredible, innovative partners all over the world in a range of industries. Unbound Professional Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with partners directly in Asia and Australia as part of the Fellowship program.

Foundation for Young Australians : A coworking space, early stage business development organisation, and expansive youth network that Unbound conducts networking events with.
MIT D-Lab : Unbound and MIT D-Lab have partnered for the Australian Awards Fellowship. Read more about the fellowship here.
Melbourne Accelerator Program : Leading Australian entrepreneurship program and incubator with Melbourne University.
Abari : Our partner in Nepal, experts in research, design and construction using sustainable materials such as bamboo and rammed earth.
Designing for Social Innovation and Leadership - DSIL Global : Thailand-based experts in leadership, social innovation and building incredible teams and cultures that Unbound have worked with on numerous programs.

Program Details

Eligibility
Fellows of all ages are invited to join the program, from early-stage and recent graduate employees, to experienced employees.

We encourage participation from a wide range of business and industrial sectors as our students are multi-disciplinary and interested in a range of future careers.

Cost
Option One:
$5,000
One employee Professional Fellowship position, including participation in an international program, and the inclusions below.

Option Two:
$10,000
One employee Professional Fellowship position, and a fully funded scholarship for an undergraduate student to join an Unbound international program, plus flights.

Program Costs Include:

Pre-departure preparation information and optional face-to-face sessions
14 day international program in Nepal, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, or Thailand
Expert facilitation, site visits, networking opportunities in-country
All logistics, coordination, and support during the international programs
Meals, accommodation (single rooms are provided where possible for professional mentors, but in communities some space is more communal)
Training in Australia with the Fellow’s organisation, topic and format to be customised
Joining Unbound’s network and access to future events and future opportunities. Find out more about our Australian-based events here.
If student sponsorship is provided, a full scholarship for an undergraduate student studying at an Australian university, plus flights to the program country.

Not Included:

International flights
Visas and travel insurance
Any preparation medical treatment or vaccinations
Personal expenses (such as souvenirs, drinks, laundry costs, medical expenses, phone calls)

*Though we don't cover the cost of your travel visa, our team is happy to support you with the application process!