We separated the programs to better meet the unique needs of WiCyS members at different stages of their career journey.

The Professional Mentorship program (October–June) is tailored for members who are preparing to enter or already working in the cybersecurity workforce. It focuses on leadership, communications, negotiation, and other advanced professional development topics.

The Aspiring Professional Mentorship program (February–May) was created specifically for student members who are earlier in their university studies. This track offers a shorter, more focused experience that aligns with NACE’s Career Readiness Competencies to help mentees build a strong foundation. 

By running separate tracks, we’re able to provide more relevant resources, targeted conversations, and mentorship that resonates with where each participant is in their personal and professional growth.

The Professional Mentorship Program is designed for individuals who are at least 19 years old and are currently in the workforce or within one year of entering it full-time.

The Aspiring Professional Mentorship Program is for student members who are more than one year away from entering the full-time workforce.

Both programs are designed to foster growth and career readiness, but they are tailored to meet participants where they are in their journey.

The Professional Mentorship Program is a 9-month program experience designed for members who are preparing to enter or are already in the workforce. It covers topics such as negotiation, leadership, feedback, and self-presentation. Focusing on real-world skills that support career advancement.

The Aspiring Professional Mentorship Program is a shorter, 4-month track specifically for students earlier in their university studies. Its curriculum aligns with NACE’s Career Readiness Competencies and focuses on foundational topics such as goal setting, communication, teamwork, and professionalism.

The time commitment varies slightly between the Professional and Aspiring Professional Mentorship programs, depending on your role.

Professional Mentorship Program

Mentors:

• 9-month commitment (October through June)
• Meet with your cohort (3-5 mentees) once a month for ~1.5–2 hours
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing supporting materials and discussion topics
• Option to attend quarterly Fireside Chats for additional insight and community-building
• Average total estimated time: 4–5 hours per month

Mentees:

• 9-month commitment (September through May)
• Attend one cohort meeting per month for ~1.5–2 hours
• Review materials and come prepared with questions or reflections
• Option to attend quarterly Fireside Chats for additional insight and community-building
• Average total estimated time: 3 hours per month

Aspiring Professional Mentorship Program

Mentors:

• 4-month commitment (February through May)
• Meet with your cohort of student mentees once a month for ~1.5–2 hours
• Light Prep using structured materials aligned to NACE Career Readiness Competencies
• Average total estimated time: 4–5 hours per month

Mentees:

• 4-month commitment (February through May)
• Attend cohort meeting once a month for ~1.5–2 hours
• Engage with discussion resources and participate in check-ins
• Average total estimated time: 3 hours per month

We understand that unexpected situations may arise. If you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting, we ask that you notify your cohort (at a minimum, your mentor) at least 48 hours in advance. Clear communication is key to maintaining a strong mentoring relationship.

If you need to step away from the program entirely, please email the Program Coordinator as soon as possible.

Please Note: Participants who miss two or more sessions without notifying their mentor may be removed from the program.

The matching process is carried out through the Together platform using an automated algorithm to consider selected profile information, availability, and program goals. While technical background is one of many inputs, the program is designed to prioritize professional development, skill-building, and empowerment across all stages of a participant’s career. Matching assignments are final and made with the intention of fostering diverse and impactful cohort experiences.

No, the mentorship programs are fully virtual and open to WiCyS members worldwide. During the matching process, we do our best to group participants with no more than a 2-hour time difference to support scheduling. Participants are expected to coordinate meeting times with their cohort based on mutual availability.

Together is the mentorship platform used to manage the program. It supports:

• Scheduling and calendar synchronization (optional)
• Goal-setting and tracking progress
• Access to session guides and resources

Upon acceptance, all participants will gain full access to the program. Onboarding will include a comprehensive guide on utilizing its features.

Prior mentoring experience is welcome but not required. What matters most is willingness to support and guide others.

As a mentor, you’ll gain access to:

• A comprehensive onboarding session
• A dedicated mentor resource toolkit
• Optional mentor office hours with WiCyS staff
• Quarterly Fireside Chats for shared learning and community support

We selected a mentoring cohort strategically so that the learning experience can be shared amongst peers. This increases the interaction during the mentor/mentee meeting and develops deeper relationships with those in the cohort so that a community can be formed (within the already WiCyS community). If a mentor/mentee chooses to have 1:1 mentoring, that is completely fine, but the WiCyS requirement is to have the one meeting in a cohort setting once a month.

Any professional woman, man, ally, and advocate is an asset to this program’s success. No matter where we are at in our careers, we have experiences and stories to share that will help others on their journey. The resources/discussion points that WiCyS provides are not specific to a cybersecurity skillset. They are beneficial for any woman in their career!

Yes, mentors are welcome to participate in both the Professional and Aspiring Professional Mentorship programs if their schedule allows.

You’ll be matched with different mentee groups for each program if you choose to mentor in both. We recommend reviewing the time commitment and expectations for each before applying to both programs. Participating in both is a great way to support mentees at multiple stages of their development.

Yes, the goal is for WiCyS to provide the mentor with what they need to host their cohort meetings (resources/discussion points). They are to share that information with their cohort and use that information for their guiding point. This takes the stress off the mentor by making the information already available and accessible. Office hours will be made available for mentors throughout the program.