Dundalk IT hosts event to mark culmination of mentorship initiative

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently hosted an event to mark the culmination of a transformative mentorship initiative, WISDOM, which was aimed at fostering professional growth, industry connections and career readiness for students in science through mentorship by DkIT Alumni.

Funded by N-TUTORR, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, enhancing career prospects and leadership opportunities for mentees. The programme, led by project co-ordinators, Sinéad Loughran, Annmarie McHugh and Catherine Staunton and a team of nine student partners, paired students with twenty-two DkIT alumni, who provide personalised guidance, industry insights, and career advice.

Mentors from diverse fields like research, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing came on board as mentors to help guide the next generation of professionals. Mentors in this initiative provided mentees with a huge variety of expertise, hailing from companies such as Almac, WuXi Biologics, Poolbeg Pharma, PM Group, LinkedIn and Alexion Pharmaceuticals. 

During the course of the programme, participants were provided with structured tools and sessions such as goal-setting journals by MoJo&Co and Career Development Planning to support their career growth. The programme integrated these approaches with DkIT's Graduate Attributes and Employability Frameworks to foster skill-building and career development.

The showcase event brought together both mentors and mentees to celebrate their achievements and the insights shared throughout the programme. Attendees also had the opportunity to reflect on the programme's impact and outcomes, and explore opportunities for future mentorship initiatives. 

The event was opened by DkIT president Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, who reflected on the rich impact of the N-TUTORR programme on both DkIT and third level institutes across Ireland. 

The audience heard inspiring testimonials from mentees, who discussed the huge impact the programme had on them, and learned more about the key milestones throughout the programme and engaged in networking opportunities with professionals, students and staff. 

The pilot initiative focused specifically on the Sciences discipline; however, the model has transferability and relevance to all disciplines within DkIT, and is one which can be replicated across programmes following the success of the pilot. 

Speaking about the event, Programme co-ordinator Dr Sinéad Loughran said: “It’s such a brilliant sight to see both past and present DkIT scientists come together for this event. The main catalysts for this project were our fantastic alumni network, excellent Careers and Employability team and our wonderful students who remained so motivated and enthusiastic throughout the process. The success of this initiative is down to the strong partnership between our students, alumni and staff. “

Student mentee Vaclav Uhlir said: “This programme has helped us to envision our career dreams, guide and shape our growth and take ownership of our own futures. The expertise and insight that was shared with us throughout this process was invaluable and I feel more confident than ever as I progress towards my future career.”