Analysis of Perspectives and Experiences of Women in STEM Fields in a Mentoring Program

Mentoring programs foster individuals' professional and personal advancement, serving as a foundation for exchanging knowledge and developing skills. In this context, a mentoring program, part of a Mentoring in Science program for Higher Education Institutions supported by the British Council, empowers academic women in STEM fields and strengthens their leadership skills. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a mentoring program's participants (engineering, science, and health areas). This research aims to categorize the main motivations that drive professional women in the STEM field to make visible the diversity of perspectives that influence their professional development and thus serve as a source of inspiration for other women. A qualitative methodology that includes classic content analysis of scientific production will be applied to carry out this study. The analysis results will be grouped into three main categories: 1) Motivations that drive women to pursue STEM careers, 2) Perceived importance for women to develop in STEM careers, and 3) Interest in participating in mentoring programs. Regarding the contribution of this work, we aim to spotlight experiences and aspirations, emphasizing the crucial role of mentoring programs in guiding young women aspiring to pursue STEM careers. This work seeks to underscore the significance of mentorship in fostering their professional journeys.