Largest STEM mentoring program celebrates alumni guiding student leaders
On Thursday 14 August, the University of Melbourne launched the largest iteration of its flagship STEM Industry Mentoring Program yet. Over 1,000 participants in 587 mentoring partnerships have signed up across both the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) and the Faculty of Science.
The program connects talented students with University alumni and industry partners who generously share their expertise and guidance to provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain practical insights, develop essential skills and build professional networks that will shape their future careers.
Speaking at the networking evening, FEIT's Deputy Dean (Academic) Professor Shanika Karunasekera was effusive in her endorsement of this collaborative program between these two STEM faculties.
“We are so proud to have over 400 alumni mentors, many of whom have returned year after year, demonstrating their deep commitment to our University and to the personal and professional growth of our students," Professor Karunasekera said.
"And it’s not just Melbourne-based mentors — 18 per cent of our mentors are joining us from outside Australia, highlighting the global reach and impact of our alumni community.”
Also speaking at the event was the Faculty of Science's Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusion) Professor Georgina Such, who shared her personal stories of the great impact that mentoring relationships have had throughout her career.
“This is such a fantastic initiative for our students; the mood in the room during the evening was so positive," Professor Such said.
"It was great seeing alumni mentors connecting with their mentees for the first time and hearing some wonderful conversations as they got to know each other. I'm going to encourage other members of our Faculty executive to attend this event next year so they can also enjoy and benefit from the experience.”
In another first, the networking component of the evening was preceded by two Professional Development sessions for mentors, a chance for the University to thank these generous individuals for volunteering their time and supporting students.
The sessions, which focused on Design Thinking, facilitated by Ken Sandy, and Cultural Intelligence, facilitated by Astrid Hofman, were interactive workshops, designed not only to grow skills that support the mentoring program, but also to provide important learnings that will enhance our mentors in their careers.
The STEM Industry Mentoring Program pairs alumni professionals with STEM students for career guidance. Running from July to November each year, it matches mentors and mentees based on academic and career interests. Pairs meet at least three times, helping students make informed decisions about their future in STEM.
Learn more about the program here
All images courtesy of Melissa Hobbs.