Women in STEM Research (WiSR) – one-on-one mentoring for HDR students in the Faculty of Engineering and IT.

About the WiSR Program

The Women in STEM Research (WiSR) Mentoring Program was launched in 2021 to connect women (including cis and trans women) and gender diverse higher degree by research (HDR) students with academic and industry mentors.

The program supports students as they move from study into academic or industry careers. It helps them understand the opportunities open to them, build confidence, and develop a network of academic leaders and industry professionals.

Who can apply: women, including cis and trans women, and gender diverse people studying a higher degree by research in the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT.

What’s included

  • One-on-one mentoring with a UTS academic or industry professional (approximately 20 hours).
  • Group mentoring activities and professional development workshops.
  • Mentor training and a goal-setting workshop for mentees.
  • Launch, mid-program networking and graduation events.

Program objectives

  • Support women in research to move from study into academic and/or industry careers.
  • Explore opportunities and identify potential barriers along the way.
  • Develop skills for personal and professional growth.
  • Build a community of HDR women alongside academic leaders and industry professionals.

Become a mentor

Join as a mentor or learn about partnering with the program. We'd love to hear from you.

Become a mentor
The program had a massive impact on both my professional and personal development. My mentor provided me with invaluable support in my PhD journey, from helping me with technical matters, such as writing and presenting, to opening my mind about possible research projects.

Mentee

Getting involved

The mentee experience

You'll be matched with a UTS academic or industry professional for around 20 hours of one-on-one mentoring across the year. You drive the relationship — bring goals.

 

  • Explore academic and industry career pathways.
  • Build confidence and communicate your strengths.
  • Explore academic and industry career pathways.
  • Build confidence and communicate your strengths.
  • Get support with writing, presenting and planning.
  • Meet other HDR women and gender diverse researchers.

The mentor experience

You'll support one mentee through the year, sharing your experience and helping them think through their next steps. No prior mentoring experience is needed.

 

  • Mentor training before the program starts.
  • Develop listening and coaching skills.
  • Gain insight into the perspectives of early-career researchers.
  • Connect with other mentors at program events.
She became more aware of certain aspects relating to her career (such as CV writing and how to sell her skills). It was also useful for her to see how someone with a similar background navigated the move away from academia and into industry.

Mentor

Key outcomes

Feedback from previous cohorts shows what participants have gained from the program.

  • trophy

    100%

    Said their mentee's confidence increased

  • shield

    97%

    Said their mentee's awareness of industry increased

  • editor_choice

    97%

    Said their mentee's self-awareness increased

  • schedule

    100%

    Spent sufficient time with their mentor

  • workspace_premium

    90%

    Felt well matched with their mentor

  • map

    70%

    Took initiative in driving the relationship

Program timeline

November
  • Organisations recruit mentors

December
  • Student applications open.

January
  • Event dates confirmed.

February
  • Students interviewed.  Mentors and mentees matched.

March
  • Mentor training, goal-setting workshop for mentees, launch event.

April
  • Professional development workshops.

July
  • Mid-program networking event.

August
  • Professional development workshops.

September
  • Graduation event

 

We’d love to hear from you

Email us with any questions or learn about partnering with the program 

Email us