Want to make a real difference in someone’s career while developing your own leadership skills? The UW–‍Madison IT Mentoring Program is looking for experienced IT professionals to serve as mentors. Applications are open through December 9 for the 2025 cohort. Here’s why you should consider applying.

Create space for growth

One of the most valuable things you can offer as a mentor is simply being there as a sounding board. Around 70% of IT mentors say providing a “safe space” for their mentees to discuss challenges and explore solutions is a key benefit of the relationship. Your experience and perspective can help someone navigate difficult workplace situations or career decisions in a confidential, judgment-free environment.

Give back while moving forward

Many IT leaders say that mentoring allows them to “give back to the profession” while continuing their own professional development. As a mentor, you’ll gain:

• Fresh perspectives and insights from your mentee
• Strengthened leadership and coaching skills
• Expanded professional network that transcends university silos
• Personal satisfaction from helping others grow
• Enhanced reputation as a leader in the UW IT community

It fits your schedule

As an IT mentor, you’re in charge of your time commitment:

• Most mentor pairs meet either weekly or monthly, based on what works for them.
• IT Mentoring runs from January through August.
• The program provides structure while allowing you to develop the mentoring relationship in a way that works for you.

Who should apply?

You don’t need to be a senior IT leader to be a mentor. If you have experience and insights to share, you can make a difference for an early-career professional. We welcome IT professionals at all levels who want to help colleagues develop.

Right now we have 4 times more people looking for mentoring than mentors to fill those roles. Please consider applying even if you’ve never mentored anyone or are unsure of what you have to offer as a mentor.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join us at the January 28 kickoff meeting.

Questions? Contact the UW IT Mentoring Team at uwitmentoring@cio.wisc.edu.

Related links

• Report: Mentoring in higher education IT | EDUCAUSE
• The best mentorships help both people grow | Harvard Business Review
• Mentorship is not a one-way street | Harvard Business Review