Drawing on a mixed-methods study of the Society of Women Engineers’ Mentor Network, the evidence is clear — mentorship is not a supplemental program; it is a career accelerator and one of the most powerful retention strategies for strengthening the engineering workforce.
The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields continues to present a persistent challenge that hinders equity in STEM disciplines, workforce development, and innovation. [1] This disparity is not isolated to STEM; rather, it reflects broader patterns of gender inequality shaped by educational pathways, workplace practices, and societal expectations. [1] The U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau (2025) finds that while women’s participation in the overall STEM workforce increased substantially from 1970 through the 1990s, rising from 7% to about one-quarter of workers, women still make up only about one in four STEM workers overall. [2] Workplace climate, gender pay gaps, lack of inclusivity, and lack of visible role models in STEM significantly exacerbates these statistics. [1]
Mentoring has been shown to be a powerful strategic tool — helping accelerate progress toward closing the gender gap, increasing access to networks, strengthening professional leadership identity, and building confidence — making long-term retention and leadership pathways possible. [3] [4]
Studies show a direct correlation between an effective mentorship program and participation and representation of women in STEM disciplines. [5] For example, research shows that mentoring improves internship attainment and graduation rates, making it a key strategy for recruiting and retaining women in STEM majors. [6]
To better understand mentorship within its own platform, SWE conducted a mixed-methods study of the SWE Mentor Network. The study explored how meaningful connections form in a global virtual environment, what drives engagement, and how mentorship supports professional growth across career stages and regions. Researchers combined survey data with qualitative interviews. Participants represented a wide international community, including mentors, mentees, and those in dual roles.
Across the data, a clear pattern emerged: mentorship is important. Mentorship is a powerful avenue for finding others with similar interests, shared goals, and aligned professional values. It creates positive space for authentic dialogue, trusted guidance, and connection. Overall, mentorship builds the foundation to strengthen belonging in the engineering community, and functions not just as advice-giving but as an ongoing support system that sustains persistence and professional advancement. Many relationships became reciprocal, with both mentors and mentees reporting connection, learning, and personal growth rather than a one-way exchange.
For more detailed information, read the full report on SWE’s mixed-methods study.
