Growing the Future: The Impact of ITP’s Mentor Circles Programme
At ITP, we often talk about the importance of supporting Aotearoa’s future tech talent. But what does that actually look like in practice?
Our 2025 ‘Mentor Circles’ pilot programme, run in partnership with Summer of Tech, is a powerful example of how we can collectively grow and strengthen the pipeline of junior talent entering the NZ tech sector. And, just a few months in, the impact has already been incredible.
What are Mentor Circles?
Launched in May, Mentor Circles connect experienced ITP members with small groups of students for monthly online sessions over four months. Each circle has a structured but flexible approach, with topics covering everything from understanding different tech career pathways to building professional confidence and developing essential workplace skills.
For our 2025 pilot:
207 students applied from across Aotearoa
88 students were matched into Mentor Circles
11 ITP mentors stepped up to guide and support them
Each circle was intentionally diverse, including students from different tertiary providers, qualifications and levels of study. We placed a strong focus on gender balance, with most circles having an even split.
What are students gaining?
Early feedback has been encouraging. Students are finding confidence, clarity and practical insights into their next steps:
“The Mentor Circles programme has been going well. The thing I have found most helpful so far is getting practice at asking good questions. I feel like this might help me in a future job interview.”
– Theo, student mentee
“Regardless of whether this leads directly to employment opportunities (which I understand depends on my own efforts and development), I want to express my sincere gratitude for the advice, time, and dedication my mentor and the entire team have invested in this programme.”
– Patricio, student mentee
“My mentor has excellent industry knowledge and was very inclusive and communicative. They took a real interest in our progress and careers, even reaching out to me in a personal capacity to ask how interviews were going."
- Joel, student mentee
“Everyone had different thoughts on the same questions, which made the session really engaging. All group members are friendly, and my mentor is doing a great job leading the group.”
- Vrutika, student mentee
“We covered topics related to interview questions, and our mentor shared an example about failure, their perspective was completely new to me. I really appreciate hearing a different voice, as it made me rethink my stories so I can answer similar questions better in future interviews.
I also learned from my peers, like how they communicate and present themselves confidently. Even though I still felt nervous and was a little quiet during the meetings, I’ve made small progress each time.”
- Ying, student mentee
For many, it’s their first opportunity to connect meaningfully with an industry professional. They’re learning to present themselves confidently, ask good questions and gain realistic insights.
What about mentors?
Our mentors are finding it rewarding to connect with the next generation, share their expertise and reflect on their own career journeys:
“Connected with a fantastic group of mentees from different cities and age groups. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we quickly found common ground and had some great conversations.
We’ve already started brainstorming ideas for our next session... excited about the journey ahead! ”
– Mentor feedback
“Interesting discussion all around, with very common desires from the circle – how do I get my first job? What are my options in getting that first job? What are my options for a career path?”
– Mentor feedback
As a mentor, these sessions aren’t just about giving back – they also sharpen coaching skills, grow networks and bring fresh perspectives into your own work. The insights mentors gain from students’ challenges and aspirations are a strong reminder of why supporting junior talent matters
Why does this matter for the wider tech community?
We all know the challenges of finding great talent. By building student confidence, knowledge and networks before they enter the job market, we’re creating stronger, more prepared graduates. In the long run, this means:
Healthier pipelines of job-ready talent
Greater diversity in the tech sector
More engaged and informed junior professionals entering our organisations
It represents an investment in the industry’s future, created through shared knowledge and experience.
What’s next?
This pilot is shaping up to be a hugely successful initiative. Monthly sessions will continue through September 2025, with final evaluations and feedback collected at the end. But we’re not stopping there..
We hope to continue running Mentor Circles cohorts and partnering with Summer of Tech to maximise the benefits for our student members.
Want to grow the future with us?
If you’re keen to give back, grow your own mentoring skills and help shape the next generation, consider joining as an ITP mentor and leading one of our circles in the next cohort.
