The program has had a positive impact on both my professional and personal life. Professionally, I’ve gained valuable insights and guidance that have contributed to my growth and development. Personally, the connections and support from the program have boosted my confidence and provided a sense of community.
WiSR mentee, 2023
The Women in STEM Research (WiSR) Mentoring Program connects women (including cis-and trans-women) and gender-diverse people who are studying an HDR in FEIT to academic or industry professionals for one-on-one mentoring. Find out more about the program and how you can participate as a mentor below.
Enabling transitions from research to careers
Launched in 2021, the WiSR program guides students in their transition from education to different career pathways. It builds career confidence and awareness about opportunities, and develops skills for personal and professional growth — all while building a network of academic leaders and industry professionals.
For mentees, the program includes one-to-one mentoring, group mentoring activities, professional development workshops and training sessions.
A structured approach, with flexibility
The program is designed to be driven by students’ self-identified goals while providing guidance and opportunities to connect with professionals and peers. During the 6-month program, mentoring activities are flexibly arranged between the mentor and mentee, with informal check-ins from the program team. Mentees also attend a series of professional and personal skill development workshops throughout the program, including a networking event. Key checkpoints for mentees include:
- Checkpoint 1: Goal-setting workshop
- Checkpoint 2: Launch Event
- Checkpoint 3 and 4: Professional development workshops
- Checkpoint 5: Graduation Evening
Mentees take ownership and responsibility for the mentoring partnership, organising the one-on-one meetings with their mentor and completing the 5 checkpoints for the program.
Why be a mentor in the WiSR mentoring program?
I believe that my mentee developed a sense of calmness in chaos after this mentoring program. As I shared my own PhD journey with her, she might have realised how difficult it can be in the beginning, or having a new set of results near to your progress review date which does not make sense, or that occasional feeling of our research not making enough impact in the world.
Mentor
Mentors play a guiding role in the program, from building mentee awareness of career opportunities and pathways to supporting mentees to achieve personal and professional goals. Mentors also help students to develop an understanding of their chosen field, as well as finding and developing professional networks.
Mentor feedback indicates that the experience is also rewarding for them, as they reflect and share career journeys and experiences, and help to shape current and future research and professional workplace cultures.
The process has broadened her horizons and given her an appreciation of what opportunities might look like. I’ve introduced her to a number of colleagues at work who share similar academic and PhD backgrounds which has been really beneficial.
Mentor
This mentoring opportunity is open to all women, including cis-and trans-women, and gender diverse people studying a higher degree by research at FEIT. If you’re an academic or industry professional in IT or Engineering and would like to be a mentor this year, please complete the 2024 WiSR Mentoring Program application form by 1st March. We look forward to welcoming you on the program!