The Women in Built Environment (WiBE) Mentoring Program, in partnership with JLL, officially launched on 24 June 2026, bringing together 43 mentees from across the UTS Built Environment community.

Delivered by Mona Salam through the Women in Built Environment Network, the program will run from June to November 2026, providing students with valuable opportunities to connect with experienced industry professionals in a supportive and welcoming environment.

The launch event was filled with vibrant conversations, with mentors and mentees sharing insights on everything from navigating the workplace to balancing career ambitions with personal growth. One piece of advice that particularly resonated with students was to “travel while you’re young”– a reminder that building a career can go hand in hand with making the most of life’s experiences.

Building confidence through connection

The JLL Informal Mentoring Program gives students the opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals through informal coffee catch-ups. These conversations help students gain practical career insights, explore different pathways within the built environment sector, and build meaningful professional networks that support their transition from university to industry.

For Ella Springer, a final-year Interior Architecture student, the program offered exactly the kind of support she was looking for.

“I wanted to bridge the gap between studying and entering the workforce in a more relaxed way, without the immediate pressure of finding a job. The program creates a safe environment to have honest conversations and learn from people already working in the industry.”

Ella discovered the program through an email from Mona, the UTS program coordinator, and immediately felt it was the right opportunity at the right time.

She hopes the experience will help her build confidence in networking, strengthen her professional relationships, and better prepare her for life after graduation.

Giving back through mentoring

Volunteer mentor Steph Elsafty, a former UTS student and current JLL employee, is passionate about supporting others as they begin their careers.

Having studied both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at UTS, while on an Elite Athlete Scholarship, Steph has maintained a strong connection with the university. Her commitment to volunteering – including involvement in sporting organisations, the NAWIC events committee, and charity initiatives – has shaped her passion for helping others succeed.

Motivated by a desire to support women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Steph believes mentoring is a rewarding opportunity to share knowledge, reflect on her own career journey, and help others navigate theirs.

“Mentoring is rewarding because you get to share your experiences, offer advice, and help someone build confidence as they find their own path. At the same time, you gain fresh perspectives and learn from your mentees as well.”

In her role as a Project Manager, Steph works with a wide range of people every day, making relationship-building and communication essential skills. She believes many of the qualities that make a good mentor come from experiences outside the workplace.

“Growing up in a sporting environment taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership and finding common ground with others. Those skills translate directly into supporting and mentoring students and junior staff.”

Steph’s advice for students and new graduates

One of Steph’s biggest pieces of advice is to develop strong verbal communication skills.

“Verbal communication is incredibly important and is often an area where graduates need more confidence. Making phone calls and speaking with clients is part of everyday work – you can’t rely on email alone. Strong conversations help build relationships, trust and long-term professional connections.”

Steph also highlighted the valuable contribution that new graduates bring to the workplace.

“Graduates often have excellent digital and AI skills, and they’re introducing new ways of working that help upskill more experienced staff. It’s a great example of how mentoring is a two-way relationship, where both mentors and mentees learn from one another.”

Get involved

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, or students interested in joining the program as a mentee contact Mona Salam on mona.salam@uts.edu.au for more information.

Finally, we’ll leave you with some inspiring words from the Faculty Sponsor, Hera Antoniades:

“Strong industries are built on strong relationships. Programs like this create opportunities for students to learn from those who have walked the path before them, while also reminding industry professionals that learning is a two-way exchange. By investing in mentoring, we’re investing in a more diverse, connected and confident future for the built environment sector.”