The Lucy Mentoring Program connects students with industry mentors. It allows them to embark on a journey of mutual learning and growth.
As a mentee, you receive support, advice, wisdom and above all, an excellent role model in your field who is rooting for your success. Overall, the program embodies the importance of community and mentorship in facilitating conversations and action around gender equity in multidisciplinary fields.
For students, university can be a little daunting. Thus, being paired with a relatable role model, allows them to access information about the industry and leave the program with more career confidence.
'As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it is important to me that I will have a female mentor to look up to. When I started the program, I was a confused student struggling with imposter syndrome. Watching my mentor thrive in her career inspires me to study and become just like her, simultaneously allowing me to gain confidence in myself'.
Catherine Nguyen, Bachelor of Information Systems
Often, it is difficult to understand the real-world applications of our university degrees. As young professionals, we are unaware of the limitless possibilities and career paths we can pursue. This is where mentors play a crucial role; they can share knowledge about industry specific opportunities, as well as how to seize them.
'The program helped me understand the variety of career paths available to me. The workshops and events embedded in the program allowed me to further engage with industry through site visits and networking opportunities. Through regular meetings with my mentor, I was able to resolve personal concerns regarding my career plans'.
Ysabella Miguel, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice
As students, we are constantly growing. Each year we have different goals, different weaknesses and different attitudes. The Lucy Mentoring Program caters to this growth by allowing students to take part more than once throughout their degree. Students get to work with different mentors to target newly established goals, enabling them to gain deeper insights into their desired career paths.
'This year was my third time completing the Lucy Mentoring Program- I felt that each year was a different experience. My first year made me realise mechanical was not the field for me. The second year, I got to learn a bit more about technology and data. The more I met with my second mentor, the more comfortable I felt in professional settings. My third mentor, helped me transition from student to professional, helping me refine my interpersonal skills and expanding my network. I initially didn’t expect much from the program, but looking back, I definitely feel that each mentorship journey contributed to my personal and professional development'.
Joanna Gunawan, Bachelor of Data Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Science (Maths)
Left: Catherine Nguyen and Fiona Sorrenson. Right: Joanna Gunawan and Melissa Sherwood.
Tips for upcoming mentees
Mentees had some great insights to share with those wishing to learn more about the program or considering joining. We begin by understanding the importance of keeping an open mind throughout the journey.
'If you go in with a rigid mindset and are not willing to try or experience new things, the program will be restrictive in value. By being open to the different areas of biomedical engineering, I found an unexpected appreciation for the mechanical aspects. Additionally, attending workshops run by companies from entirely different fields enhanced my professional soft skills and challenged me to consider a variety of new work environments'.
Krisha Kumar, Biomedical Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Business
For many of us, meeting new people and networking can be quite intimidating. What if there was a way to change our mindset, so we can appear more confident and composed when approaching other professionals?
'Approach these events with a goal of making a new friend. This way, you will feel a lot less overwhelmed talking to as many people as possible. When you make a new “friend” at a networking event, it’ll lead to deeper conversations and long-lasting connections'.
Ysabella Miguel, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice
Learn more about the
Lucy Mentoring Program.
As we can see, the Lucy Mentoring Program takes young professionals and equips them with the confidence and skills required to flourish in their respective fields. It caters to each individual’s unique goals and fosters their growth. To anyone considering applying, do it! Your future self will thank you for taking part.
Nikitha Rao, Gender Equity Ambassador