In August 2022, seven pairs of mentors and mentees completed their Student to Stemette programme. The programme was in partnership with Nestle to encourage young women and non-binary people to increase their STEM employability skills and confidence.
Over five months, the pairs met and worked through ‘meet guides’ provided by Stemettes to structure each session. Sessions covered topics ranging from writing CVs and cover letters to networking and presentation skills.
Student to Stemette programmes have three key objectives: mentees achieve at least one goal set on the programme; mentees expand their network; and mentees feel and increase their self-confidence. Mentors and mentees gave feedback on their experience on the programme.
Achieving Goals
Goals set at the beginning of the programme included improving interview skills, writing a CV, and improving networking skills. At the end of the programme, mentees felt that 59% of their goals were achieved.
Mentees felt their mentor supported them in building their confidence in interviews and networking. They were able to research careers and find jobs that they did not know of before. One mentee completed a 5-year career plan, with research into potential internships and placements.
Expanding Networks
Mentees were supported by their mentors to connect with other mentees and women in STEM throughout the programme and in the future. All mentees on the programme said they planned to maintain a relationship with their mentor afterwards. They were also asked if they felt their network had improved across the programme.
100% felt their network in STEM fields increased
Building Self-Confidence
Mentees were asked to rate their self-confidence before and after the programme. They initially rated their self-confidence at 5.3 out of 10. After the programme, this had increased to an average of 7.5 out of 10; a 43% increase.
Some mentees also pointed out that the programme had improved their mental wellbeing.
“In August 2022, seven pairs of mentors and mentees completed their Student to Stemette programme. The programme was in partnership with Nestle to encourage young women and non-binary people to increase their STEM employability skills and confidence.” – STS mentee
Mentee and Mentor Impact
Mentees were asked to rate themselves before and after the programme in key metrics. After the programme:
- 100% of participants felt their awareness of STEM career options increased
- 75% of participants felt their perception of STEM improved
- 75% of participants felt their knowledge of STEM improved
Participants worked with their mentors on applications for further STEM opportunities. Of those who have applied to work experience or educational programmes, 86% have already been successful.
Mentors rated their experience on the programme 7.3 out of 10, and 75% would recommend the STS programme to others.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the programme and to everyone from Nestle who volunteered.
