Altis Consulting renews DevelopHer programme for women in STEM

Altis Consulting has renewed its commitment to supporting female careers in STEM, announcing an updated DevelopHer training and mentoring programme that will commence in September 2024.

This programme aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and is tailored to individual participants based on their prior experience, encompassing both technical and soft skills training.

To introduce the revamped programme, Altis Consulting will host a DevelopHer networking and information night at its Sydney offices on September 19. This event will feature keynote presentations and inspiring stories from both female leaders in STEM and alumni of the DevelopHer programme. There will also be a Q&A session and networking opportunities.

Charmaine Loratet, Chief People and Culture Officer at Altis, emphasised the company's dedication to providing a supportive environment for women in STEM. "We want to provide a supportive and structured environment, both for women with experience in STEM and those without, to help them grow the skills and confidence to thrive," she said.

The recent appointment of Katrina Pilcher as Chief Commercial Officer has marked a significant milestone for Altis, giving the company a female-majority executive team for the first time. Executive Director and co-founder Hyun Choi highlighted that DevelopHer exemplifies Altis's commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce in STEM fields.

"DevelopHer has empowered young women to break barriers, develop crucial leadership skills, and excel in their careers," she noted. "Our focus on creating a supportive community, providing mentorship, and offering targeted resources has resulted in tangible outcomes, such as increased confidence, career advancement, and improved work-life balance."

DevelopHer aims to support women at various stages of their careers, including those returning from maternity leave or career breaks, female graduates, and those currently completing internships in STEM. The programme spans six to eight weeks and is customised to each participant's previous experience, education, and transferable skills. It includes technical training in areas like dimensional modelling and data visualisation, as well as soft skills such as presentation and negotiation.

Participants will receive training from Altis's expert coaches and be paired with mentors for ongoing guidance and support, including personalised coaching sessions. Upon completion of the programme, participants are guaranteed a job at Altis Consulting, providing a stable entry or re-entry point into the industry.

Paige Nguyen, a DevelopHer graduate, shared her positive experience with the programme. "Altis made me a confident consultant," she stated. "The company's working environment and leaders equipped me to present data with confidence, enabling me to show our clients I know their businesses and convincing them what needs to be changed."