Women in Technology Alumni Mentoring

The Women in Technology (WIT) Alumni Mentoring program aims to boost the involvement, retention and success of women and non-binary students in IT. Driven by our mission ‘IT for Social Good’, it’s our responsibility to champion gender equity and give everyone an equal chance of success.

Paired with accomplished alumni in industry, the program helps students expand their networks, gain critical insights into the field, grow professionally, and get a headstart on their careers. It’s also a great opportunity for participating professionals to hone their leadership skills and empower the next generation of IT experts.

Initially postponed for the safety of our mentors and mentees, our WIT Alumni Mentoring program is recommencing in semester two (July to October).

To accommodate the current situation, you have the option to complete the program either virtually or in-person. We’re also limiting physical attendance at our events to 100 people, and observing all social distancing requirements and hygiene practices.

Benefits to mentors

• Build your professional and personal development, confidence, communication, networking and leadership skills
• Support your mentee in their academic, career and personal development goals, confidence building, communication, career planning and networking skills
• Increase your professional networks by connecting with fellow program participants
• Gain access to potential talent for your organisation

Eligibility criteria

The program is open to alumni and industry professionals who are:

• Any gender
• Based locally to Melbourne, Australia
• Monash IT alumni or industry mentors from relevant IT fields
• Have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) or the ability to obtain one prior to program launch

Completion Certificate

To be awarded a completion certificate on conclusion of the program, mentors must:

• Attend all three events (or have provided reasonable explanation prior to the event explaining inability to attend)
• Complete the below surveys:
  • Pre-program survey
  • Check-in survey
  • Evaluation survey

Benefits to mentees

• Receive guidance and support for your academic, career and personal development goals, confidence building, communication, career planning and networking skills
• Learn from your mentor’s experience in the IT industry
• Enhance your graduate outcomes and employability
• Increase your professional networks by connecting with your mentor and other participants in the program

Eligibility criteria

The program is open to student mentees who are:

• Women (including non-binary)
• Current students (or on IBL placement) in Semester two, 2020
• Studying at an Australian campus

And one of the following:

• Studying an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Information Technology (or non-Faculty of Information Technology managed degrees with an IT component; or double-degrees where IT is one degree; or Software Engineering students), and have completed at least one year of study at Monash and 48 credit points in FIT/MAT units OR;
• Studying a postgraduate degree in the Faculty of Information Technology, and have completed one semester of study at Monash and at least 24 credit points.

Completion Certificate

To be awarded a completion certificate on conclusion of the program, mentees must:

• Attend all three events (or have provided reasonable explanation prior to the event explaining inability to attend)
• Complete the below surveys:
  • Pre-program survey
  • Check-in survey
  • Evaluation survey

‘Presenting your inner professional’ Q&A
Friday 24 July

Our preliminary Q&A session on ‘Presenting your inner professional’ is a chance for mentees to pose all their networking questions to an alumni and industry panel.

Launch event
Wednesday 29 July

Mentors and mentees are introduced to the program and each other. We also provide all tools and resources for the program, and partnerships are given the opportunity to plan their goals.

Networking event
Wednesday 2 September

In a facilitated workshop, mentees are given the chance to build their communication and presentation skills. Mentors are invited to connect with other mentors and industry partners. Afterwards, both parties engage in a structured speed networking session.

Celebration event
Wednesday 7 October

At the end of the program, our mentors and mentees gather to celebrate their progress, share their experiences and reflect on their journeys. We also award certificates to participants who successfully complete the program.

Mentee testimonials

"My mentor helped me a lot through the program and I've become more confident in talking to people. It's an amazing way to create connections and it's a great opportunity for students to learn about the workforce through their mentors."

- Nirvashi Ramgutty, Bachelor of Computer Science 

Mentor testimonials

"The program was a fantastic channel to reconnect with Monash University after graduating some years ago. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to give something back to the industry that has served many of us so well!"

- Cameron Wood, Digital Delivery Manager, SXiQ

Hear more about the power of networking from past participants.

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