Empowerment
Mentoring
2026.
A two-term industry mentoring program for women & gender-diverse students at UNSW. One-to-one matches with engineers, product managers, designers and analysts. AHEGS-accredited.
One mentor. Two terms. A direct line into the tech industry.
Run across Term 2 and Term 3, the Empowerment Mentoring Program pairs each student with an experienced industry mentor. Mentees meet their mentor fortnightly across the two terms and join the wider cohort for two workshops on technical interviews, communication, teamwork and leadership.
The program is open to UNSW women and gender-diverse students. Completion earns AHEGS accreditation on your UNSW transcript - a record of professional development you can carry forward.
Submit a short application.
Paired with an industry mentor.
Fortnightly 1:1s + two cohort workshops.
Closing ceremony, AHEGS credit, alumni network.
As a first year, EMP was my first chance to properly interact with industry. The opening and closing ceremony gave me a chance to have meaningful conversations in a casual and comforting space. It was there that I got to meet my mentor who not only helped build my confidence but taught me how to navigate my path in university by aligning my goals. The program is a great way to take down any fears of entering the workspace by being able to talk through things such as impostor syndrome while also building a community outside of university.
When I first joined EMP, the different pathways in tech felt overwhelming and I wasn't sure where I fit in. My mentor helped me navigate that by opening my eyes to the opportunities available and guiding me toward what was right for me. The events were also a great way to build confidence in approaching people in industry, and broke down the illusion that professionals are unapproachable or on a pedestal. EMP has a way of making the industry feel a lot less intimidating, and I've come out of it with both clarity and connections I genuinely wouldn't have had otherwise.
My experience as a mentor in this program was incredibly positive. It was rewarding to support my mentee in building confidence, exploring career pathways, and working through real challenges, while also learning from their perspectives. I have also stayed in contact with my mentee post this, and have supported them where I can.
Participating in the program was a genuinely rewarding experience. I was impressed by the capability, curiosity, and maturity of the upcoming talent, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to support and encourage them at such an important stage of their careers. Having benefited greatly from early career support and strong mentors myself, it was meaningful to be able to give back and pass that forward. The experience reinforced how powerful mentorship can be, not just for those starting out, but for mentors as well.
The program at a glance.
Trusted by Sydney’s leading firms.
