The CamAWiSE Mentoring Programme: An Interview with Mentor Urszula Wysocka

Mentoring offers opportunities to build new skills, gain insight into different career paths, and broaden professional networks. CamAWiSE values mentoring and we run an annual Mentoring programme to support the professional development of women in STEMM and to facilitate connections among professionals in the STEMM community. If you are interested in Mentoring, this is a good time to try it, our 2026 Mentoring programme has just opened for applications!

In 2025, the programme included nineteen pairs of mentors and mentees, who developed relationships and supported each other through the six months of the programme. We asked one of our mentors, Dr Urszula Wysocka, about her perspective participating in the programme. Urszula is an internationally recognized banking and finance expert, trainer, mentor, and university professor. 

Why did you choose to participate in the CamAWiSE’s Mentoring programme?

I joined the CamAWiSE Mentoring Programme to give back to the community that supports women's careers in science and engineering. The programme offered me the chance to share my mentoring experience while learning from someone who is at a different stage in their career. I believe that when women support each other, we all benefit.

How did you interact with your mentee during the programme? How did you address any challenges?

My mentee and I met regularly online and kept in touch between sessions. From our first conversation, we established a foundation of openness and trust, focusing on her career goals and the steps she needed to take next. Whenever challenges arose, such as managing self-doubt or setting priorities, we worked through them together. Often, we reframed obstacles as learning opportunities and celebrated small victories along the way.

What were the highlights of the programme for you? 

The most rewarding part was seeing my mentee’s confidence grow throughout the programme. Seeing her take concrete steps towards achieving her goals was a constant reminder of why mentorship matters. I also enjoyed connecting with other mentors and mentees in the CamAWiSE network, which reinforced the idea that mentoring is a mutually beneficial learning experience.

We are very grateful to Urszula and all mentors who participated in the Mentoring programme during 2025 for their time and contribution.

Would you like to try mentoring? Then apply to participate in the 2026 CamAWiSE Mentoring programme as mentor or mentee. You can find more information on our website and can contact us at info@camawise.org.uk with any queries about the programme.

Apply to participate in the Mentoring programme