Women in Technology mentoring

The Women in Technology (WIT) mentoring program aims to foster connections and provide development opportunities that help women to thrive in their IT studies and careers. 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 industry professionals, 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 empower the next generation of IT experts.

Benefits of being a mentor

• Shape the leaders of tomorrow;
• Make a difference in the lives of others;
• Gain new perspectives and fresh ideas;
• Expand your professional network and
• Become more involved with the IT community at Monash

Eligibility criteria

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

• Women
• Monash IT alumni or industry mentors from relevant IT field
• Be able to commit to meeting your mentee a minimum of three times for the duration of the program
• Be able to commit at least one hour of your time per mentoring session over the duration of the program

Benefits of being a mentee

• Receive guidance and support for your career and personal development goals, confidence building, communication, career planning and networking skills;
• Create a professional and career-focussed outlook that develops your employability skills;
• Gain career clarity and expand your knowledge of career paths available to you;
• Develop insight into key employability skills and capabilities sought by and valued by employers;
• Gain insights into employment in specific industry sectors;
• Learn insights on how to effectively make the transition from university to work;
• Develop insight from your mentor’s professional and personal experience and knowledge
• Increase your professional networks by connecting with your mentor and other participants in the program

We run a variety of professional development and networking opportunities for mentees before, during and after the program. To make the most of your participation, we suggest attending the following sessions:

• Meet the Mentors - 'In Conversation women in IT' discussion groups
• Mentoring and networking 101 industry session
• Program launch event
• Participate in three to four video meetings during the program
• Meetings supported by regular contact via the mentoring platform, email or phone.
• Final virtual celebration with program participants

Eligibility criteria

The program is open to student mentees who are:

• Women
• Current students (or on IBL placement) in Semester two, 2021
• Studying at an Australian campus
• Be enrolled in either an undergraduate or postgraduate course with the Faculty of IT (including double degrees)
• Have completed at least 24 credit points

Mentee event

An introductory session dedicated to preparing mentees for their journey. Mentees will learn how to approach their mentors, what to ask and make a plan for productivity and goal setting in the program. Our Program Manager will be there to also answer any questions.

Launch event

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

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

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 

"Special thanks to our mentors who volunteered their time as well as the administrators of this mentoring program. Us mentees are more set up for university life as well as life after university. It was great to get to know others in the Zoom meetings. Despite not being able to meet each other face to face, I felt connected. It was such a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and network with other people in the industry as well as other students."

- Grace Jingrou Loh, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Information Technology

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

"I'm always impressed by the dedication and passion that's put into programs designed purely to help others or encourage social change. Whether pushing for diversity, mental health, climate action or human rights, the individuals that put these programs together show a progressive drive for change and betterment that I think everyone can learn from. So, whether now or in twenty years' time, I hope every administrator and mentor involved in the program looks fondly back on the positive impact they've had on others as the true measure of their value."

- Olliver Fontana, Client Director and Data Scientist, RUBIX

Hear more about the power of networking from past participants.

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