Computing giant Dell to provide industry mentors for students

Female computing students at GCU are taking part in a new initiative aimed at attracting and retaining women within the IT sector.

Global technology group Dell will provide mentors to third and fourth-year students studying Software Development for Business and IT Management for Business.

Known as STEMAspire, the scheme will pair 29 students from GCU, City of Glasgow College and the University of the West Scotland as part of Dell's first-ever mentoring initiative in Scotland.

Studies show fewer women are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related fields after graduation.

Mark White, site leader for Dell in Scotland, said: "We meet a lot of women who have decided to buck the trend and gain an education in a STEM topic and we've been increasingly concerned by the number of them who, during their education, decide to look at other careers," White explained.

"The gender imbalance in technology does get a little more equal every year, but this is being hampered when female graduates get some experience of working in our industry and decide it's not for them. The feedback we receive is all to often based on just how male-dominated the industry feels."

In addition to the one-to-one mentoring, Dell will host four on-site events during the year for STEMAspire participants.