This programme is powered by Gen.
WOMEN4CYBER'S MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
The Women4Cyber Mentorship Programme is designed for women who are based across geographical Europe.
It aims to support them in strengthening their skills and progressing in their cybersecurity careers, regardless of their level of experience.
The programme runs for 6-months and takes place entirely online, in English, through the PushFar mentoring platform.
You can register as a mentee, a mentor, or both!
This mentorship programme is part of Gen’s Pledge to the European Commission to close the cybersecurity gender and skills gap.
To learn more about Gen’s commitments, read the full pledge through here.
The programme is 100% online and completely free
One-on-one mentoring and you can join monthly free webinars
The duration is 6 months and you just have to commit 1h/month
The language used throughout the programme is English
GETTING INVOLVED
BECOME A MENTOR
No matter where you are in your cybersecurity career, your guidance, support, and expertise will make a difference in someone’s life. The commitment is minimal (1-2 hours a month), but the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives is invaluable!
Who can be a mentor:
- Professionals of all genders
- Working in cybersecurity
- 3+ years of experience
- Technical and non technical
What we expect of Mentors:
- Commit to the 6-month programme
- Meet with the assigned mentee in a virtual setting once a month (or more),
- Participate in periodic surveys and programme dissemination efforts (voluntary)
Women4Cyber Webinar Series: Empowering Careers & Advancing Cybersecurity
Women4Cyber hosts a series of webinars designed to support career progression, professional development, and deepen understanding of cybersecurity related topics.
These webinars are part of the additional resources offered through our Mentorship Programme and are primarily intended to support mentees, while remaining open to the wider community to join.
Would you like to share your knowledge and experience with individuals interested in the field? You can apply as a speaker by clicking the button above.
APPLY FOR THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
BECOME A MENTEE
You are a woman based in geographical Europe, stepping into cybersecurity for the first time, returning after a career break, shifting careers, upskilling, looking to break barriers and lead, or simply curious. Whatever stage you’re at, the Women4Cyber Mentorship Programme is here to walk alongside you.
What we expect of Mentees:
- Commit to the 6-month programme
- Meet with the assigned mentor in a virtual setting once a month (or more)
- Participate in periodic surveys and programme dissemination efforts.
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APPLY NOW
SELECTION CRITERIA
MENTEES
- Open to all ages seeking career development support
- Based in geographical Europe
- Excellent command of English
- University students, junior or senior professionals
- Working in cybersecurity and looking to specialise
- Not in cybersecurity but considering a career change
- Encouraged to apply: single mothers, long-term unemployed, refugees, and minorities
deadline: 15th NOVEMBER
MENTORS
- People of all gender with 3+ years of experience in cybersecurity
- High level of expertise in one or more cybersecurity areas
- Recognised by peers as a leading expert in their field
- Based in geographical Europe (recommended for time zone alignment)
- Excellent command of English
- Committed to supporting women in cybersecurity by meeting at least once a month with a mentee
DEADLINE: 15TH NOVEMBER
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
We’re inviting companies to help close the skills and gender gap by supporting our mentorship programme. With strong demand from mentees and proven impact from previous editions, we partner with organisations to ensure a diverse pool of mentors who can commit to one meeting per month.
BECOME A MENTORSHIP PARTNER AS A COMPANY
What we offer:
- Visibility as a mentorship partner on our social media channels
- Company logo featured on the mentorship webpage and promotional materials
- Opportunity to share job vacancies, events, and other initiatives with programme participants
What we expect from companies:
- Launch an internal call for volunteer mentors using W4C-provided materials
- Encourage participation and allow mentors to dedicate time to monthly mentee meetings
Gen is a global company powering Digital Freedom through its consumer brands, and a Women4Cyber sponsor. Gen assists us in fostering inclusivity and empowering women in cybersecurity, fuelling our activities and initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap.
Together, the Women4Cyber Foundation and Gen are breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where women’s significant contributions bring change to the cybersecurity field, ultimately shaping a stronger, safer digital world for all.
FaQ
How do we match participants?
- Matches are based on available mentors and mentees, aligned with their career interests. We aim to pair mentees with mentors who hold a position that is a few steps removed from theirs, with 3-5 years more experience. Mentors are usually in roles that reflect a similar career trajectory to the mentee’s intended path.
- To help us find the right mentor, mentees should clearly state their goals and objectives for the next 6-12 months in their profile during the application process.
What does a mentoring relationship look like?
- Meetings are held at least monthly to discuss career goals, significant updates, and opportunities.
- Mentors and mentees are encouraged to share relevant events, resources, and articles, and introduce each other to valuable contacts within their networks.
- Mentees are responsible for reaching out and scheduling meetings with their mentors.
Is support available for mentors?
- Yes, mentors (and mentees) receive detailed guidelines on the mentorship relationship, available through PushFar resources. These guidelines outline the responsibilities of each party, tips on structuring meetings, suggested topics, and more.
- If you have any issues, you can contact the W4C Team through this form: https://forms.office.com/e/0XRJgwSyr2. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. The key points are also covered in the kick-off meeting.
What if I can’t attend the kick-off meeting?
- The kick-off meeting date is announced a week in advance and is recorded for those who cannot join live. However, attendance is encouraged.
When will I be matched?
- Matches are made a few weeks before the programme starts, and participants are notified via email. We do our best to match everyone, but it depends on availability and compatibility.
What happens if I’m not matched?
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Due to the high volume of applications, it’s sometimes not possible to match everyone. We prioritise the quality of the match and the completeness of the applicant’s profile. Unmatched applicants are informed around the start of the programme and are encouraged to reapply for the next edition.
What if I feel my match isn’t a good fit?
- If you feel your match isn’t aligned with your goals, you can reach out to the W4C team through this form: https://forms.office.com/e/0XRJgwSyr2. We’ll address the issue as soon as possible.
- We encourage you to communicate openly with your mentor first to address any concerns. If the fit still feels off, we’ll work with you to explore alternative solutions, which may include reassignment based on availability.
Can I have more than one mentor?
- Our programme allows only one mentor per mentee to ensure a focused and meaningful experience. However, we encourage you to participate in any group events or networking opportunities we may offer, where you can connect with other mentors informally and expand your network.
Can I stay in touch with my mentor after the programme?
- Yes, we encourage mentors and mentees to maintain professional connections after the programme. While the structured mentorship ends, many participants find value in staying connected informally.
Is there a time commitment required from mentors and mentees?
- Yes, we ask that both mentors and mentees commit to at least one meeting per month, usually lasting about an hour. Additional communication outside of these meetings is encouraged but should fit around both participants’ schedules.
What if my schedule changes and I can no longer commit to the programme?
- We understand that life changes happen. If your availability changes significantly, please inform your mentor/mentee and contact the W4C team through this form https://forms.office.com/e/0XRJgwSyr2. so we can support the transition and find solutions if needed.
