Mentorship in tech: Student support at IE School of Science & Technology

6 min read

The tech industry is a tough cookie to break into. Sometimes, it’s not about how much you know—it’s about who you know. We’re realists at IE School of Science & Technology, which is why we’ve taken extra measures to set our students up for career success. How? By providing peerless mentorship in tech.

This year we set out to bring students closer to the tech industry with top professional mentors. But what kind of opportunities are on offer? And why is this mentor/mentee relationship so important? Read on to find out.

What is the Tech Mentorship Program?

So, first things first: What is the Tech Mentorship Program and how does it work? In short, it’s an initiative that pairs students with experienced professionals who act as both guides and role models. Mentees gain valuable insights into the tech world and an experienced voice to guide their journey. Mentors are able to give back whilst getting a fresh perspective on the industry.

We match students with mentors based on their specific career aspirations. It works across six simple steps:

1. Mentee survey submission: Students fill out a survey detailing their objectives and expectations from the program.

2. Mentor success session: We arrange a session to educate program mentors on how best to guide mentees.

3. Matching session: We pair mentors and mentees and outline the next steps of the initiative.

4. Kick-off meeting: Participants schedule their own kick-off meeting to set goals and discuss availability for future meetings.

5. Program completion and certificate award: Upon completing the program, mentors and mentees receive an IE School of Science & Technology certificate.

6. Networking cocktail event: The initiative finishes with a relaxed cocktail evening, bringing all the mentors and mentees together once again.

What makes the Tech Mentorship Program different?

Unlike other mentorship programs that are simply about advice, IE’s approach is hands-on. We strive to empower both mentees and mentors. Our program isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about fostering real connections that matter. For example, it’s not uncommon for students to receive direct job referrals and networking opportunities from their mentors. This is a unique benefit that can jumpstart their careers.

While we built the program to support all students, we also want to address the specific challenges faced by women in tech. As such, we have special inclusivity schemes to remove barriers for women.

We also ensure mentors come from diverse backgrounds. This means they can offer expertise in a variety of roles, from data scientists to CTOs and beyond. They understand the value of guidance during pivotal career moments and are eager to give back. This sets our Tech Mentorship Program apart from others—we set up a relationship that thrives on trust and a continued exchange of knowledge. It’s not just about one-way guidance—it’s a mutual learning experience for both mentors and mentees.

How do we celebrate the program?

Every year, we celebrate the achievements of our mentors and mentees at our program’s closing event. This year’s event took place on February 18th. It’s a chance to celebrate the connections formed and the lessons for all involved.

This year’s agenda included a welcome speech, reflections on the journey and an opportunity for participants to share their stories. We also recognized mentors and mentees in a diploma ceremony. Following the formalities, we enjoyed a cocktail and networking session, where participants connected with others in the IE community.

Raquel Cabero, Academic Director at IE School of Science & Technology, and Marta Revilla, the Program Coordinator, were among the evening’s notable speakers. The event reminded us that mentorship in tech is about more than learning—it’s about lasting relationships.

What do participants think of the Tech Mentorship Program?

We caught up with Nicolás Bojos, one of this year’s mentees, to find out why mentorship in tech can have such a profound impact. According to Nicolás, “It seemed like an incredible opportunity to connect with someone who had so much experience and could share valuable insights about the market.”

Nicolás was introduced to his mentor, Charles Lagemann, during the initial program session. Nicolás received guidance on both the technical skills he was learning at IE School of Science & Technology, but also on his job search in the banking and finance sectors. “Charles was someone who genuinely cared to listen to me and help me figure things out.”

Nicolás emphasizes that mentorship in tech is a two-way exchange. As such, both mentee and mentor learn from each other. “One thing I heard from the mentors is that they really value the opportunity to teach. Many of them said they appreciate being in a position to guide someone who was once in their shoes—someone just starting out, looking for jobs, and not knowing what to do next. They see it as a very enriching experience.”

From the mentors’ perspective

Estefania Zulaica Pérez was one of the mentors on this year’s program. A Senior Data & AI Specialist at Microsoft Spain, Estefania joined the Tech Mentorship Program after being recommended by a colleague: “They emphasized how rewarding the experience would be. It presented a great opportunity to give back, share my expertise and support young professionals as they prepare to enter the job market.”

For professionals like Estefania, institutions like IE School of Science & Technology are vital in supporting the tech industry: “IE’s education plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between students and the expectations of the industry.”

“Companies and industries thrive on relationships,” says Estefania: “You never know when a connection might become relevant. As you progress in your career, you begin to realize how small the world is. You end up meeting people from the past in unexpected places. People remember how you made them feel: We should focus on illuminating others rather than seeking to shine ourselves.”

Estefania’s tips for a successful career in tech

Adaptability & problem-solving: Companies prioritize attitude, creativity and communication skills just as much as technical expertise. The ability to adapt to new environments and collaborate with diverse teams is essential.

Continuous learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly, making curiosity and a proactive approach to learning crucial for staying ahead.

Effective communication & collaboration: Success in tech is not just about technical skills—it’s also about being able to communicate complex ideas clearly, whether with technical or non-technical stakeholders. Strong teamwork and the ability to work across departments make a significant difference in career growth.

Well-being & balance: Long-term success requires prioritizing mental and physical health. Understanding what helps you recharge—whether it’s reading, traveling, sports, or meditation—allows you to maintain clarity, resilience, and peak performance in your career.

Join us for continued mentorship in tech

Think you could benefit from mentorship in tech? At IE School of Science & Technology, we make sure all our programs offer a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that sets you up for career success. We’re all about continuous learning, personal development and networking—which will set you apart in the most competitive industries.

Want to be a part of change? Follow the link below to find out more about our programs. And, since you’re here, fill in our form so we can stay in touch. It’s quick, it’s simple and it makes all the difference.

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