Mentorship Program – STEM Sisters

Mentoring Program

The STEM Sisters Mentoring Program provides Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) STEM women student mentees with the opportunity to increase their understanding of the industry sector, strengthen their skills to be successful within any of STEM industries and extend their professional network.

Customised matches of mentors and mentees will be based on areas of interest and career goals, with the opportunity to gain some valuable experience and insight into overcoming challenges and barriers that might affect young mentees. Mentors have the opportunity to give back to the industry, share their experience and support fantastic young engineers early in their careers.

After a successful mentoring program for CALD STEM women, student mentees and STEM women migrants in 2020. We hope to increase mentor-mentee participation and engagement and develop an online web platform to revamp our Mentoring program.

WHY STEM Sisters Mentoring Program?

The STEM Sisters Mentoring programme will empower CALD STEM women who face challenges due to gender and racial discrimination in the STEM sector. According to Chief Scientist report 2020, overseas born women have a high unemployability rate (14.1%) in the Australian STEM sector compared to their male counterparts (5.6%) and Australian born women (3.1%). The main reason behind this inequality and discrimination is the cultural barrier that leads to a communication gap, the absence of leadership training, and lack of confidence. By providing the essential skills training, we will be able to address the international females’ immediate needs, which will help build their confidence and provide an insight into the Australian STEM workforce.

Mentee

A final year undergraduate or postgraduate STEM Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) STEM women student, OR
A STEM qualified recent migrant OR recently graduated CALD STEM women student, OR
CALD early-career STEM professional OR returner seeking further career guidance.
A commitment to the mentoring process.
Preparedness to maintain confidentiality
regarding discussions with mentor.

Mentor

More than three years working in Australian STEM industry.
Strong interpersonal and communication
skills.
Access to a network of appropriate
referrals and/or contacts.
A commitment to the mentoring process.
Preparedness to maintain confidentiality
regarding discussions with mentee.

Impact Stories

“Every aspect of the program was a great experience, the weekly sessions were exciting, and I learned a lot about the IT industry and got introduced to many successful people in IT who did not have an IT background (like myself).”

Masters in data Analytics studentSwinburne University of Technology

“Coming into the office each week and meeting the other mentees has been such a highlight. I have formed some good friends from this program, and we have all shared this incredible experience. I am grateful to STEM Sisters and their commitment to women in STEM.”

Electrical Engineering StudentMonash University

The best piece of advice that my mentor has shared with me is to ‘try everything’. This is in regard to me not turning down opportunities without giving them a try as you never know where they will lead you!

Masters in ERPVictoria University

Our Mentors represent the following University Partners

Acknowledgment of Country

STEM Sisters, recognises and respects the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Boonwurrung, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri of the Kulin who are the traditional owners of land in Victoria.