MENTORME

PROGRAM
INSPIRING THE FEMALE
LEADERS OF TOMORROW
2 Cisco MentorMe Program

WHO IS CISCO?
Cisco is the worldwide leader in IT and 85 per cent of global Internet traffic travel across
Cisco’s systems. We design and sell products, provide services, and deliver integrated
solutions to connect the unconnected. For over 30 years, we have helped our customers
build networks and automate, orchestrate, integrate, and digitise IT-based products
and services.

In an increasingly connected world, Cisco is helping to transform

businesses, governments, and cities worldwide. We apply our
technology and expertise to accelerate global problem-solving and
innovation to positively affect people, society, and the planet.

WHY TECHNOLOGY?
Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, identified that building
new jobs and creating wealth required a focus on science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM). It is the almost universal action area
that underpins plans for boosting productivity and economic growth. Companies
rely on tech to design, build and sell their products and services.

Engaging early and often with all Australians, particularly women, girls, under-represented
minorities, and low-income students to make STEM education and career paths not only
attractive but available is important and requires a range of strategies and programs to
increase participation in STEM education and career opportunities.

Regardless of what you study or what career you choose, you will rely on IT to be successful.
Imagine the possibilities: fun classes, cool careers, and good money. Plus, technology
careers are exciting: in fact, it is hair-standing-on-end exhilarating. Why not get started?

You get to work around extraordinary people to make amazing things happen. You can
change the world by using technology and realise your passion for helping people or the
planet with IT. You can work from anywhere, so get those passports validated as tech talent
is in demand in every country. Finally, being technology illiterate does not cut it anymore: IT
is no longer for a geeky few. It is the future, for all of us.
 Cisco MentorMe Program 3

WHAT IS MENTORME?
Cisco’s MentorMe is an innovative program with a primary focus on undergraduate women studying
engineering, information technology, business, finance, economics, accounting and law. The Program aims
to inspire, motivate and educate women about the opportunities available for employment and leadership
in the IT industry as well as the personal advantages of achieving job satisfaction. The Program provides
an opportunity for women to work with IT and engineering professionals in a mentored relationship and
encourages them to engage in active decision making about their careers.

MentorMe is the cornerstone of our AUSTEM2020 commitment to inspire females to pursue careers in IT.
4 Cisco MentorMe Program

THE MENTORME APPROACH

Despite many complex factors contributing to the under-representation of women in leadership roles and
positions of power, mentoring was recognised as a strategy for supporting women and reducing isolation
in male dominated fields. In particular, the absence of appropriate role models, networks and mentoring
were identified as key factors that work against women’s retention, progression and success.

For these reasons, every year Cisco opens our doors to share the breadth of opportunity that exists
in the industry, to prepare students for entering the workforce, and to build their personal brand.
Students are paired with a mentor and attend weekly sessions in their local Cisco office. By the end of
the Program, students will have a new network of industry professionals, a developed understanding of
suitable career paths based on job shadowing experience, an improved resume and LinkedIn profile, and
a higher degree of self-confidence to stand out from the crowd.

Cisco believes the talents and capabilities of women are under-utilised in technology fields and
therefore are missing from key areas of decision making and problem solving for the future. Increasing
participation, retention and prospects for success of women in the fields of engineering and IT will
contribute to transforming organisational cultures and their preparedness for change and innovation.
 Cisco MentorMe Program 5

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
We are looking for female students,
studying a Bachelor or Post Graduate
Degree in any year that is not their first or
last. Mentees must commit two hours to
attend sessions in their local Cisco office
every Thursday from July to October.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS?

As part of the Cisco MentorMe Program, a mentee will be paired with a Cisco employee as their mentor.
A mentor provides support, knowledge, encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback to the
mentee by developing a genuine interest in the growth of their abilities and talents. In addition to their
mentoring relationship, mentees will participate in two-hour sessions every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm
(AEST) in their local Cisco office.

During these sessions mentees will have the opportunity to; hear and engage directly with Cisco’s
business leaders; attend workshops focused on building their own personal brand; understand their
strengths, improve their LinkedIn profile; fine tune their resume and presentation skills; receive access
to job shadowing and mock interviews; collaborate and be exposed to Cisco’s customers and partners;
and learn about Cisco, including our culture and technology.

THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY PARTNER

The university partner role includes:

• Recruiting students
• Promoting the Program
• Providing input to ongoing program development
• Optionally attending the weekly sessions and Graduation
6 Cisco MentorMe Program

THE ROLE OF MENTEE

Mentees participating in the MentorMe Program are expected to be actively engaged with the program.
They should acknowledge that the purpose of the program is for their learning and development and
therefore be open to new opportunities and experiences, be willing to learn new skills and actively seek
feedback and information from their mentor.

Mentees must be constantly aware that their mentors volunteer their time and experience, and that there
may be occasions when they are not available. They should do everything they can to make the most of
experience including making sure they maintain regular communication with their mentor. They should take
responsibility for their own learning and understand that while it is a facilitated program, they also need to
be aware of their own goals, interest and needs.

Mentees should be aware of the time commitment required to successfully complete the program and
recognise any connection to an industry representative from their chosen field is valuable, regardless of
position, gender or interests.

Due to the number of universities involved, the sessions will at times overlap with study vacation, exams
and semester breaks. It is the mentee’s responsbiility to plan accordingly to ensure they can attend the
sessions. Consistent absence from meetings with their mentor or group sessions without providing adequate
justification to the Operations Manager may result in the mentee’s removal from the Program. Feedback
on the participation, behaviour and attendance of the mentees may also be collected and provided to the
university partners throughout the Program’s duration.

Mentee responsibilities include:

• Being proactive in the mentoring relationship

• Creating their own goals and actively working towards these
• Asking for help and support where required from their mentor and the Operations Manager
• Completing and participating in all tasks and activities they commit to
• Appreciating the generosity of their mentor and their professional/personal commitments
• Actively communicating with their mentor, providing adequate notice for any changes
• Maintaining confidentiality as well as upholding the values and standards of Cisco
• Making the most of any opportunities that are offered during the program

Mentees in the MentorMe Program will benefit from:

• Exposure to Cisco as well as new challenges and opportunities

• Meeting role models in diverse positions across Cisco
• Guidance about their career choices and development
• A close connection with a professional from their chosen field
• The opportunity to network with likeminded people
 Cisco MentorMe Program 7

THE ROLE OF MENTOR

The role of the mentor in the MentorMe Program is to engage with their mentee and introduce them
to the range of work options and experiences available to them. The mentor will share knowledge and
experience to equip the student for the challenges they may face in their chosen field and guide their
mentee through a learning process. This is a unique opportunity for mentors to actively support future
female leaders seeking a career in engineering or IT and contribute to an increase in the representation
of women in leadership roles, as well as network with other senior professionals within Cisco.

Responsibilities include:

• Actively communicating with their mentee to organise job shadowing within the program
• Being aware of their mentee’s learning goals and working towards these throughout the program
• Helping their mentee develop an understanding of their chosen field
• Helping facilitate job shadowing opportunities in their mentee’s area of interest
• Supporting their mentee to find and develop professional networks and contacts
• Helping their mentee to experience Cisco and develop an awareness of organisational norms,
standards and values as well as an understanding of some of the keys to successful entry and
progression through an organisation
8 Cisco MentorMe Program

MENTORING AGREEMENTS
Mentoring Agreements ensure that both parties expectations are realistic and achievable, and they share
an understanding of the mentoring role. Each mentoring partnership will negotiate a personal agreement
about the objectives and operation of their relationship and the appropriate degree of formalisation.
To ensure both mentors and mentees are clear on their respective responsibilities, the Mentoring
Agreement should address:

• Objectives and expectations

• Activities and goals
• Structure and frequency of meetings
• Assurance of confidentiality

It is important to maintain flexibility within the mentoring relationship. Some participants may find the
nature of their arrangement changes over the course of the program duration. Therefore, when planning
the meetings, consideration should be given to:

Availability: Time commitment and frequency of meetings — consider your schedules and when
you can both reasonably meet. An often-convenient time to meet is before or after the weekly
group sessions when the mentee will be at the mentor’s office. It is a good idea for mentors and
mentees to use the first session together to plan future meetings.

Venues: Decide where meetings will be held. For example, at the mentor’s workplace and/or in
other locations. WebEx Meetings can also be used if schedules do not align.

Communication: Decide the priority mode for communications. Example, via Webex Teams,
email, phone, text? As well as face-to-face meetings. How will differences be resolved between
the parties?
 Cisco MentorMe Program 9

The mentor should consider that the student may aim to learn career management skills such as:

• Lifelong learning
• Coping with male orientated cultures/working in non-traditional fields for women
• Developing career pathways to reach career goals
• Career enhancing activities, such as networking
• Developing effective strategies for overcoming key challenges
• Building a profile and gaining visibility in the organisation and industry
• Identifying opportunities for promotion
• Managing competing demands (for example, balancing work and family)
10 Cisco MentorMe Program

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Mentee Training
We will dedicate the first session (Program Launch) to provide mentees with an overview of the program,
to familiarise participants with their role and provide a forum for discussion and questions. We will also
train mentees on professional behaviour and how to get the best out of their mentoring experiences and
past mentees will share their experiences. Mentees will also be officially inducted on how to use the
mentoring software to facilitate their mentorship, however mentees will also be sent instructions once
invited to join the Program in order to request a mentor before the launch session.

Mentor Briefing
The mentor briefing is designed to introduce new mentors to the program and welcome repeat mentors.
It is an opportunity for mentors to network and make important connections before the program launches.
It is also a chance for mentors to discuss their expertise and provide tips and guidance for mentoring.
Mentors will also be inducted on how to use the mentoring software to facilitate their mentorship.

Evaluation
An evaluation form to capture participant feedback for improvements in future
Program cycles will be emailed to participants at the middle and end of the
Program. The Evaluation Questionnaires will seek feedback on:

• Organisation and structure of the Program

• Content of Program materials
• Outcomes for participants

Graduation
As mentees, you are required to complete a group video assignment to report on your mentoring
activities and experience. Your audience will be interested to hear what you have learnt, how this
meets your learning objectives and your assessment of its value for your personal and professional
development. Your observations with evidence and examples about the following could be relevant:

• Diversity of pathways into the field • Developing a professional profile

• Industry sector knowledge • Networking
• Workplace culture • Challenges of working in a male dominated field
• Flexible Working (for careers or study)

Mentees are asked to email a copy of their video to the Operations Manager two weeks prior to
Graduation. A panel of judges will select up to three winners to be announced at Graduation, whom of
which will receive a prize.
 Cisco MentorMe Program 11

Program Launch
Thursday, 11 July (12PM - 3PM AEST)
This session will include the mentee briefing, networking lunch and Cisco Overview Presentation. As it is
the first session for the Program, the duration is three hours. Mentees are required to attend in-person at
their local Cisco office. It is a great opportunity to network with other mentees in the Program as well as
meet their mentor in-person before or after the session.

Weekly Sessions Commence

Thursday, 18 July
This is the first session of the weekly session topics. Topics range from Day in the Lifes on
Cisco roles, personal and professional development, and industry or Cisco product knowledge sharing
sessions. The duration is only two hours each week. Mentees are required to attend in-person at their
local Cisco office. During the weekly sessions, there is no scheduled time for lunch, however mentees
are welcome to bring lunch into the session.

Program Graduation
Thursday, 3 October
Graduation will conclude the Program. Once concluded, the mentorship formally ends. Mentees will be
presented with a Certificate of Completion and enjoy a final networking lunch with other mentees and
mentors. The winners of the video assignment will also be announced and receive their prize.
12 Cisco MentorMe Program

NEGOTIATING EXPECTATIONS & GOALS

The first meeting is critical in establishing the foundations of the partnership and ensuring that both
participants share the same objectives and expectations of the program. Regular contact is essential
and participants should meet at least once a week for 30 minutes. However, some may meet bi-weekly
or may supplement meeting with regular emails or phone calls. The arrangement can be flexible.

Participants should decide whether they want to follow the program framework, discuss pre-
prepared topics at their meetings or would prefer ad hoc discussions. Participants should also
discuss what they want to achieve through MentorMe and how they will reach their goals.

The mentee is responsible for driving the partnership and organising meetings. Though
as a mentor if you notice the mentee is reluctant to seem too demanding, schedule together
at the end of each meeting. If either cancels to meet don’t be disheartened and reschedule.

Mentors are often exceptionally busy people but they are committed to the program and will
endeavour to find time for their mentee. If either party needs to reschedule, it is a good idea for
the mentee to immediately give the mentor a list of three or four alternative times and locations
to meet so the mentor can select a suitable time and location or suggest an alternative.

The second meeting should focus on getting to know each other. Learning each other’s interests and
opinions beyond IT helps build trust and understanding. Many find it easier to start with a more informal
discussion, such as the topics suggested below, to build rapport and provide a gentle introduction to the
discussion of more serious career development topics.

• How would you spend your last day on earth? • What is your dream job?
• What are your favourite hobbies? • Are you a morning or a night person?
• Who is your hero? • What qualities do you most admire or detest?
• What is your personality or learning type?

It is recommended that at on-going meetings mentors share their own career history, significant
experiences and how they got to where they are now. Mentees can share similar information, based on
their university studies, work experience and any important life experiences. Both mentors and mentees
should reflect on what is important to them and what drives them both personally and professionally.
 Cisco MentorMe Program 13

I wish I had known at the time …

The project I am most of proud of is …
My biggest learning curve was ….
Today’s graduates should know ….

Mentors should avoid dominating meetings,

exerting undue influence or discounting views.
Mentees are responsible for their own problem
solving with the mentor providing the ‘big picture’.

Mentees should determine three ‘development needs’ that

their mentor can help them work on including professional skills
or areas of knowledge that the mentee wants to improve or learn more
about to develop as a professional in the IT industry. Together, brainstorm ideas and opportunities for
ways of developing these needs. Examples include: presentation and public speaking skills, design
skills, communication skills, networking skills, specific job-related skills, knowledge of specific current
IT issues, workplace scenarios and politics, IT in an international context, and more.

During the final meeting, focus on the mentee’s career direction. They may want assistance to clarify
their career direction or to develop a career plan. It is important to evaluate career direction based on
the mentee’s likes/dislikes, strengths and developments needs as well as skills, values and interests.

To close, reflect and consider successful aspects and identify areas for improvement. Self-assessment
of the participation of the mentor and mentee is important to measure the development and success
of the mentorship, as well as the personal and professional development of both. You can consider the
following questions when evaluating their participation and the development of the mentorship.

> Has the Mentee/Mentor attended all meetings and Mentoring Program events?
> Does the Mentee/Mentor have a positive approach to each meeting?
> Is the Mentee/Mentor punctual and organised?
> Has the Mentee expanded their professional network?
> Has progress been made towards the Mentee’s goals?
> Has the Mentee/Mentor cancelled meetings?
> Is the Mentee/Mentor attentive during the meetings?
SUCCESS STORIES

Kaizel Banicevic
After studying Engineering & IT at UTS, Kaizel was reluctant to
participate in MentorMe as she was not interested in pursuring a
career at an IT company. Through participating in Cisco’s
MentorMe Program with MentorMe’s Founder, Veronica Marriott,
as her mentor, Kaizel’s perception of IT changed.

She was inspired by Veronica’s work across the Asia Pacific

region and saw a different side of the IT industry. She felt “the mentoring sessions could
not have come at a better time. The one-on-one sessions were like having a sounding
board for my aspirations and fears.” Kaizel is an Account Development Representative for
Cisco Meraki at North Sydney, New South Wales.

Lisa Ta
From an early age Lisa was inspired to transform lives with IT
in areas of education, health care, retail, entertainment and
more by her uncle who worked in networking. After high school,
Lisa enrolled at the University of Technology Sydney, where she
earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Although she enjoyed the coursework, she struggled to find
acceptance among her peers. Cisco’s MentorMe reassured that there
are women out there who have successful careers in IT and that to be in IT, you don’t have
to learn how to program, or create a script – rather, you can drive projects and lead
changes in non-technical roles.

Lisa also learned resume and interview skills in the program that she used during her
interview with Cisco, which helped her start a career she has grown to love. Lisa is an
Account Manager with Cisco working at North Sydney, New South Wales.

Seema Hyne Holly O’Toole MentorMe Team

Program Executive Operations Manager ANZ Site Leaders
shyne@cisco.com hotoole@cisco.com cisco_mentorme@external.cisco.com

MENTORME CONTACTS To learn more about Cisco’s

investments in STEM education
visit csr.cisco.com.
 Cisco MentorMe Program 15

The MentorMe Journey

2019 Who knows the possibilities?

2018 96 Students | 12 Universities

2017 60 Students | 8 Universities

2016 24 Students | 5 Universities

2015 12 Students | 2 Universities

2014 8 Students | 1 University

2013 8 Students | 1 University

CISCO
MENTORME
PROGRAM
INSPIRING THE FEMALE
LEADERS OF TOMORROW