Mentorship

Because there are still far fewer women than men studying subjects like engineering and computer science, we support our female students by offering a mentorship programme to motivate and empower them, and help them reach their goals.

Through this mentorship programme, we encourage students to continuously improve themselves and venture into other skills in various areas in the STEM field.

Mentoring is about creating a trusting and meaningful relationship, and academic staff and industry professional volunteer their time to ensure that AUT’s female tech students are supported.

How the mentorship programme works: responsibilities and benefits

What are a mentor's responsibilities?

  • Share industry and university insights
  • Act as a sounding board
  • Help mentees set development goals
  • Provide development feedback
  • Provide opportunities to meet and network with others

Why should you become a mentor?

  • Pass on your success
  • Practise your interpersonal and management skills
  • Expand your horizons
  • Get rcognition
  • Gain new insights

What are a mentee's responsibilities?

  • Devote time to yourself
  • Be willing to learn
  • Accept feedback
  • Be willing to "stretch"
  • Ability to identify your goals

Why should you become a mentee?

  • Get valuable insights about working in tech
  • Access to a listening ear
  • Better understand your strengths and opportunities for improvement
  • Open doors for your future career
  • Explore different perspectives

Join the programme

Get in touch to learn more about our mentorship programme or join as a mentor.

Email womenintech@aut.ac.nz

Rachel Takoar
Claudine Nalesu
Michelle Extross
Eteroa Tusipepa Lafaele
Shahnaz Baldwin
Sabrina Naseem
Sarah Manikam
Rachel Takoar
Great graduatesRachel TakoarMaster of Computer and Information Sciences
Graduate Diploma in Computer and Information SciencesShe wants to help her home country build a strong digital health system, says Rachel Takoar who came to AUT from Vanuatu to study computer sciences.She wants to help her home country build a strong digital health system, says Rachel Takoar who came to AUT from Vanuatu to study computer and information sciences, supported by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand – Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship. For her master’s degree research, Rachel is investigating the advantages and limitations of implementing telehealth in Vanuatu.
Claudine Nalesu
Great graduatesClaudine NalesuDoctor of Philosophy
Master of Creative Technologies
Bachelor of Creative TechnologiesThrough her PhD research in creative technologies she can explore sustainable methods and materials, says Doctor of Philosophy student Claudine Nalesu.Through her PhD research in creative technologies she can explore sustainable methods and materials, says Doctor of Philosophy student Claudine Nalesu.
Michelle Extross
Great graduatesMichelle ExtrossQA Engineer, Canva, BrisbaneBachelor of Engineering (Honours)She is fascinated by people and technology, says Michelle Extross who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering.She is fascinated by people and technology, says Michelle Extross who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering.
Eteroa Tusipepa Lafaele
Great graduatesEteroa Tusipepa LafaeleDeveloper Evangelist, Xero / Director, Fibre Fale / Co-Founder, DigiTautuaBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesTechnology is for people, says Eteroa Tusipepa Lafaele whose passion for educating communities about tech earned her a Young IT Professional of the Year Award.Technology is for people, says computing alumna Eteroa Tusipepa Lafaele whose passion for educating communities about technology has already seen her recognised with a Young IT Professional of the Year Award 2021, a Prime Minister’s Pacific Award for STEM and a nomination for the 2019 Young Women of Influence Awards.
Shahnaz Baldwin
Great graduatesShahnaz BaldwinOfficer, Royal New Zealand Air ForceBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesFor computer and information sciences alumna Shahnaz Baldwin, the goal was always clear: joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force and making a positive difference.For computer and information sciences alumna Shahnaz Baldwin, the goal was always clear: joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force and making a positive difference.
Sabrina Naseem
Great graduatesSabrina NaseemGraduate Civil/Structural Engineer, AECOMBachelor of Engineering (Honours)She may only be at the start of her career in construction engineering, but Sabrina Naseem has already been recognised by Engineering New Zealand.She may only be at the start of her career in construction engineering, but Sabrina Naseem has already been recognised by Engineering New Zealand.
Sarah Manikam
Great graduatesSarah ManikamBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesTechnology is a huge game changer for many industries today, says Sarah Manikam who is currently studying a Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.Technology is a huge game changer for many industries today, says Sarah Manikam who is currently studying a Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.