“Our STEM mentors build communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills and time management – all very important things for future STEM careers”
– Megan Mundy, In2science Program Director
Enthralled In2science mentors, alumni and their fellow STEM students engaged with STEM industry graduates and professionals at our recent Career Speed Networking workshop to gain inside knowledge and advice about kick-starting their #In2scienceSTEMcareers.
In2science Director, Megan Mundy, commenced proceedings with an acknowledgement of country, followed by a brief overview of the In2science Program and finally, directed a special welcome to our guests and mentors. Alistair Grevis-James, Business Systems Analyst at CSL, then provided some insight into the benefits he reaped as an In2science mentor, and how these helped him attain a rewarding and exciting role in a global biotech company. After some housekeeping announcements, a hush descended as the students and industry professionals apprehensively took their places at their assigned station.
The energy in the room was palpable as our guests imparted their wisdom, stoked some fervent discussions, and further invigorated this passionate group of budding STEM enthusiasts to pursue a rewarding career in the STEM disciplines.
“The students were very engaged; there were some great questions” – Kathryn Sobey, Head of Science, Auburn High School
In2science mentor, Yubeih He, from the University of Melbourne was equally impressed with our esteemed panel of professionals, “I met with some fantastic people from industry and received great advice”. Similarly, Anish Ramkhelawon from the University of Melbourne observed, “I really appreciated the practical advice and now feel more relaxed about the interview process”.
The small group chats facilitated maximum exposure to a diverse range of STEM professionals and graduates in a relaxed and informal setting. Many took the opportunity to pursue further discussions after the formal proceedings while they enjoyed some refreshments.
Some students and In2science mentors also availed themselves of the opportunity to have their resumes appraised by David Azzopardi (Senior Manager of Talent Development at CSL Behring), Waheed Rashid (Program Manager at Ericsson AU) and Vanessa Ashokkumar (Customer Project Manager, Ericsson); the In2science Team sincerely thank them for providing this valuable service.
With new contacts made and enthusiasm ignited, the event was reluctantly drawn to a close.
In2science gratefully acknowledges the Selby Scientific Foundation, whose generous support enabled us to run this event. In2science also extends our heartfelt thanks to all who participated, and particularly our inspirational guests:
- Rachel Johnston – Technical Director, BP
- Eliza Tipping Smith – Operations Analyst, BP
- Sally Lowenstein – Science Communicator, Bureau of Meteorology
- Kathryn Sobey – Head of Science, Auburn High School
- Sarah Longhurst – Consultant, Deloitte
- David Azzopardi – Senior Manager of Talent Development, CSL Behring
- Alistair Grevis-James – Business Systems Analyst, CSL
- Tiarne Ecker – Biodiversity Science Graduate, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
- Jaydene Pearson – Graduate Engineer, Lendlease
- Waheed Rashid – Program Director, Ericsson Australia
- Vanessa Ashokkummar – Customer Project Manager, Ericsson Australia
