Career Academy:
More than Mentoring

Empowering LGBTQIA+ employees to thrive in their careers

What’s Included?

The Career Academy is more than mentoring.

Through bespoke mentor matches, exclusive career development resources, access to training, and tailored guidance from an experienced Program Manager, our Career Academy program equips LGBTQIA+ employees to thrive.

Our 6-month program, designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community, provides a safe space for early- and mid- career individuals to boost their careers and unlock their full potential.

The program runs from January to June 2026 and costs $1350 + GST per participant. We welcome:

  • Organisations wanting to sign up their LGBTQIA+ employees

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals funded by their employers

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals looking to self-fund

  • LGTBQIA+ individuals seeking a sponsored scholarship place

three young queer people smiling at the camera at a pride parade
a person with pink hair smiling at a laptop, sitting in a wheelchair

The Career Academy Experience:

  • Bespoke matching with an established industry mentor, based on the goals and learning style of each participant.

  • A comprehensive welcome session and physical welcome pack of goodies, including Out for Australia merch and products from LGBTQIA+-owned businesses.

  • Access to the Career Academy Hub - our exclusive online portal for tools, templates, and resources.

  • Tailored individual development plans and personal guidance to achieve career goals.

  • A dedicated Program Manager available for support, guidance, and feedback throughout the program.

  • A focus on psychological safety and creating a supportive learning environment.

  • Ongoing access to our alumni community and continued mentor support through our online platform.

screenshot of the career academy hub

Career Academy Hub

screenshot of the career academy templates

Templates and Resources

Testimonials

  • an image of Patty Kinnersly smiling

    "I am at the start of the journey with the Career Academy, but I have been impressed with the level of care, organisation and support. The dedicated support person and quality of resources certainly makes the process feel respectful and it gives participants the best opportunity for success."

    Patty Kinnersly (she/her), CEO Our Watch, 2025 Mentor

  • A red circle with text that reads "From Mentees"

    “I'm incredibly happy and excited to be part of the Career Academy. I’m looking forward to connecting with the community, learning from the experiences of others, and contributing however I can. ”

    2025 Career Academy Participant

  • An image of Ebe Ganon smiling at the camera

    "This program provides the right amount of structure, with flexibility to meet the needs of individuals. Providing mentees with access to quality, self-paced learning and development opportunities is a stand-out feature of this program, as are the resources designed for an Australian, queer context. "

    Ebe Ganon (she/they), CYDA Board Chair, 2025 Mentor

  • “The Career Academy welcome session was excellent, and the welcome pack was really thoughtful. It really helped me feel supported and prepared to get started. ”

    2025 Career Academy Participant

  • “Programs like the Out for Australia Career Academy are so valuable for multicultural queer people who experience intersectional marginalisation. ”

    Dr Aditya Joshi (he/him), Senior Lecturer UNSW, 2025 Mentor

Express your interest in the 2026 Career Academy

Fill out the form below and our Program Manager will be in touch.
For individuals seeking a limited scholarship place, please fill out this separate Google Form.

To contact our Program Manager directly, email Chloe Rattray at crattray@outforaustralia.org.