Peer Mentoring Women Students at a Pre-University Engineering Program

Peer mentoring is a well-established method to support the transition of new students at university, and research indicates it can be beneficial for female students who are underrepresented in engineering studies. We investigate the mentor-mentee relationship and its effect on both female students and mentors in a preparatory engineering program at a UK university. The experiences of women entering engineering education are explored, from the point of view of both mentors and mentees, in addition to the development of their skills and their identity as engineers. Through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and thematic analysis, the study aims to further insights of the mentor-mentee dynamic, providing guidance for future mentoring initiatives and support strategies that specifically target female students, and highlights the areas where interventions may be required. The findings of this inquiry carry implications for the future development of female student mentoring initiatives, particularly concerning peer mentor recruitment and guidance. The project aims to expand our understanding of mentoring in engineering education, especially with traditionally underrepresented groups of students and mentors.