Our impact evaluation shows that outcomes for students and mentors were positive including increases in career confidence, industry awareness, networks, and motivation.
Lucy mentors and their mentees, Lucy Mentoring Graduation 2022 at CBA. Photo credit: Kwa Nguyen.
In 2022, 119 women studying engineering and IT at UTS were matched with industry professionals from 49 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 impact of the program. Likewise, mentors completed a post-program survey to reflect and provide feedback on the program. The survey was a digital form that was sent out to mentors and mentees separately.
Increased career confidence
As well as self-reported increases in confidence, 88% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s confidence had increased.
The biggest surprise was the amount of confidence I developed just from having weekly discussions with my mentor. I felt more determined to take on intimidating things for example job hunting and job interviews. When I had my interview I felt more confident.
Mentee, 2022
Increased awareness of industry
As well as self-reported increases in awareness, 94% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s awareness of industry had increased and 82% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s self-awareness had increased.
I’ve gained industry insight through this program by having experienced it first hand during the professional development workshops and office visits, especially listening to the female leaders in the company. I’ve learned about what the industry is looking for in their graduates and how different it is to what I was expecting, providing a new perspective for me! I’ve learned about what they actually do and what graduated work on while they are undergoing graduate programs within the company and how different it is to uni and other work.
Mentee, 2022
Increased networks and motivation
75% of mentors agreed that their mentee’s motivation to pursue a career in engineering or IT had increased.
"I truly believe my mentor has encouraged me to pursue engineering. Prior to Lucy Mentoring, I had many doubts as to whether or not this was the right path for me. Often, I questioned my capabilities and my skills, wondering if I would be good enough in the industry. I also felt lost in my degree, as it was frustrating at times. My mentor helped me realise the versatility of my degree and the potential for me to work in fields that may not be completely coding based. He's also made me realise how it's common to feel the way I did and encouraged me to keep pushing through as it'll get better. Overall, it made software seem more fun, exciting and something I'm capable of, which urged me to continue my degree."
Mentee, 2022
Career connections
- 14 had received paid employment as a result of the program and 12 had received work experience
- 25 had received a job interview as a result of the program
- 35 had agreed to continue their mentoring relationships after the program
- 51 had met with potential employers
My mentor was very supportive throughout the program and provided me with ideas and achievable first steps for many of the goals I shared with him during our catchup sessions. It was really encouraging to have brainstormed ideas of how we could break down a very 'big picture' goal to something more measurable, tangible and achievable in the short-term, and often this involved exposure to my mentor's workplace and that was a valuable experience.
Mentee, 2022
Outcomes for mentors
Mentors reported the following outcomes:
Satisfaction from giving back
"It felt good to give back to the university and program I participated in as a mentee. To help and provide guidance for future engineers and insight to what an engineering career is like."
“I enjoyed the Program immensely and it really gave me great pleasure to see the change in thought process of my mentee. I loved catching up with other mentors and hearing their experiences and bits of advice."
"I felt a sense of pride being able to help a young woman navigate our industry and help her to achieve her goals."
An understanding of university students
“It has been interesting to reflect on the changes in the industry since I was a student and I have really enjoyed the connection I've made with my mentee."
"It was good for me to get an insight into the views of graduates and what they are looking for in a job after University."
"Allowed to me see the struggle that students and new employees are currently facing in the changing workplace and study practises. It has also allowed me to feel more competent when dealing with younger people in my workplace, being able to understand them better."
Professional development as a mentor and increased professional networks
"I enjoy having a mentee to discuss working relationships and past experience, and also have the ability to help someone reflect and challenge me to provide impartial advice. I also connected with some great people to get more information for her, and networking names/contacts."
"Mentoring has helped me grow as a leaders and has challenged me to think differently."
Personal and professional development
"Actually, it reminded me a lot of skills that I still can keep improving."
"A great opportunity to learn a new skill. I have enjoyed it so much."
"It reminded why I love what I do."
"I was able to take on a leadership role."