Our impact evaluation shows that outcomes for students and mentors were positive including increases in career confidence, industry awareness, networks, and motivation.
In 2023, 128 UTS engineering and IT students were matched with industry professionals from 41 companies for 1-on-1 mentoring. Lucy Mentoring mentees were surveyed at the beginning and end of their mentorship journey to aid UTS in assessing the program's impact. Likewise, mentors completed a post-program survey to reflect and provide feedback on the program. The survey was a digital form sent out to mentors and mentees separately.
Increased career confidence
As well as self-reported increases in confidence, 85% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s confidence had increased
"The program has increased my career confidence. I feel more confident about my skills/strengths, areas where I can improve, how I can improve and the more professional aspect of approaching employers and communicating with professionals. I am so grateful to be given this opportunity and for a mentor to volunteer their time to guide/mentor me."
2023 mentee
Increased industry awareness
As well as self-reported increases in awareness, 86% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s awareness of the industry had increased and 86% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s self-awareness had increased.
"Undoubtedly, this program has strengthened my resolve to pursue further studies at UTS and in the broader STEM field. It's made me realize that STEM careers extend well beyond the conventional office job, offering a multitude of avenues. Mechatronics, in particular, presents a diverse range of possibilities, including management, mechanical engineering, design, HVAC, manufacturing, and systems control. This breadth of opportunities assures me that I'll find a path I'm passionate about. The program has sparked my enthusiasm for exploring these diverse career options, instilling the confidence to pursue my educational and professional journey in STEM."
2023 mentee
Increased networks
"I believe the Lucy Mentoring program was impactful to me personally because it provided me with the incredible opportunity to establish a connection with an industry professional. It demystified the idea of approaching professionals in my field, making it feel far less intimidating. It made me realize that these industry experts are not distant figures, but rather humans who have navigated challenges and experiences similar to my own. This understanding has boosted my confidence in networking and seeking guidance in my professional journey."
2023 Mentee
Career connections
- 7 had received paid employment as a result of the program and 10 had received work experience
- 15 had received a job interview as a result of the program
- 36 had agreed to continue their mentoring relationships after the program
- 59 had met with potential employers
"The Lucy Mentoring program has been a transformative experience. It significantly boosted my career confidence and enthusiasm for my studies. The mentorship and guidance I received instilled a sense of belonging and purpose in STEM. I've become more motivated to excel academically and actively seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. The program also taught me the importance of networking and building meaningful connections, which has been invaluable for my personal development."
2023 mentee
Outcomes for mentors
Mentors reported the following outcomes:
Satisfaction from giving back
"I enjoyed giving something back to the industry - and trying to help a young engineer starting out. It was rewarding personally."
"It is always great seeing sparks in someone that you provide information to - I could see that I was offering information that was helping my mentee."
"I love giving it back to society, and look forward to doing it again."
"I was able to share advice about the industry, the opportunities and how to present oneself to prospective employers. I benefited by being able to give back to a pretty incredible student."
A deeper understanding of university students' experiences
“Gained knowledge about current studies, met other mentors, learnt about mentoring."
"I gained a sense of satisfaction and appreciation of what students want."
Personal and professional development
"I believe it has really challenged me to consider the problems which are faced today, as opposed to what I faced and adjust my leadership based on that. It has made me take note that personal stories are really important, and everyone's life experience is different, so we need to be aware of unconscious bias."
"It helped me realise where I had come from and where I am now, I am more confident and gained some more leadership skills from constant reflection of my career and the views of my mentee."