The CERN-based Women in Technology (WIT) group has launched its yearly WIT Mentoring programme for the sixth time. The programme, running from May to December 2023, pairs experienced CERN or CERN Alumni professionals with those looking to build their careers, and creates opportunities to exchange personal and professional experiences. The call for applications will be open from 1 March to 2 April 2023.
The Women in Technology initiative was born in 2016, when a group of members of the IT department created an informal network where colleagues could exchange ideas on common challenges and share career advice and experiences. The new WIT community hoped to replicate networks similar to those its members had benefited from in both academia and industry.
In addition to the sixth Mentoring programme, this year marks the launch of the Mentoring Circles, an alternative mentoring experience where a small group of mentors and mentees focus on topics such as work–life balance, professional development and more. It will also be an opportunity for networking.
Your experience with the WIT Mentoring programme
Mentees will benefit from the support of a senior colleague with a good knowledge of CERN and beyond. In their mentoring relationship, they should find a safe space where coaching will be offered on how to develop skills such as self-confidence, self-advocacy, critical thinking and many others. The programme is open to anyone motivated to work on their personal and professional development.
Mentors benefit from informative sessions, resources, online seminars, reminders and guidance from the WIT Mentoring team during the exercise. Besides a feeling of personal realisation, being a mentor has been proven to help develop skills such as active listening, communication, coaching and problem solving; mentoring enables these skills to be internalised as time goes on.
How to get involved
Become a mentor: Fill out the application form and let us know in which areas you feel comfortable mentoring others. Registration is open all year round, but if you would like to become a mentor in 2023, please fill it out by 23 April 2023.
Become a mentee: Fill out the application form by 2 April 2023. The more information you provide, the higher the chances of finding you a suitable mentor.
Join WIT Mentoring: Would you like to help us shape the programme and be involved in the organisation of mentoring activities? Get in touch with the WIT Mentoring team.
Other resources:
- WIT Mentoring programme: https://wit-hub.web.cern.ch/mentoring/
- Applications for mentors and mentees: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1246888/
- Contact: wit.mentoring@cern.ch