The Benefits of Mentorship for Preparing Undergraduate Women in STEM to Transition to the Workplace

• In Event: Mentoring as a Support System for Women's Success

Abstract

This study assessed a mentorship program for undergraduate women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors on the verge of transitioning to the workplace. Thirty-three mentors and 30 student mentees participated in this study. Data were collected via online survey to assess participants’ career self-efficacy and program improvement suggestions. Results of quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that mentees possessed high levels of self-efficacy for non-technical career tasks at the end of the program. Mentees believed that participation in the mentorship program would positively benefit future career success. Overall, findings suggest that mentorship at a time of transition could help support young women’s self-efficacy for facing and overcoming potential barriers they may encounter in STEM careers.

Authors

• Arianna Black, The Ohio State University

• Shirley L. Yu, The Ohio State University

• Gonul Kaletunc, The Ohio State University