Go Beyond: Supporting the next generation of women in STEM
Go Beyond, a mentoring initiative launched by Morson Group and the Morson STEM Foundation is changing lives and helping female students to explore and steer their education and career paths.
Today, we are sharing a story of one of the programme’s mentees and how it helped her to land on course, breaking barriers and being an example for other young female students, entering STEM fields.
Recently, at the University of Salford, mentor Hannah Cook, Head of Marketing and Communications at Morson Projects, sat down with her Go Beyond mentee, Tumi Adegoke, to reflect on a transformative six-month journey. Through honest conversation and shared experience, the two explored how mentoring, resilience, and representation can help young women in STEM find clarity and confidence.
From doubt to direction – how Go Beyond makes a difference
Go Beyond, a mentoring initiative originated by Dr Maria Stukoff, Director of the Morson Maker Space at the University of Salford, is designed to empower female engineering students as they transition into the professional world. The programme connects students with industry mentors who guide, support and inspire.
It offers a supportive space for women in STEM to discuss challenges, seek advice, and build meaningful connections. At a time when many female students face uncertainty about their academic and career paths, Go Beyond provides relatable role models, practical insights, and a network that builds lasting confidence.
Tumi is a powerful example of how the programme helps young women find their way in fields where female representation is still rare. Like many others, she struggled with stereotypes and self-doubt when choosing what to study: “I was always passionate about coding and gaming,” she said. “But what was holding me back was the idea that ‘this is what men do.’ I just didn’t have the confidence to do it.”
Despite those doubts, Tumi secured a place on the computer study course at the University of Salford and hasn’t looked back. Reflecting on her journey so far, she shared:
Speaking to people who’ve graduated before me… now that I’m actually in this, I talk about it more, and I’ve met more people who do it too. I now know other girls [in the field] who have jobs, and my mind has opened up.
Finding confidence through mentorship
Women frequently deal with gender bias, unequal chances, and juggling work-life demands. Having a mentor who has navigated those same challenges can offer vital support, perspective, and confidence.
Tumi spoke about the difference mentorship made for her, telling Hannah: “Just talking to you really gave me a boost of confidence – to feel that I actually do belong here and can do what I want to do. Knowing we had meetings every week or every two weeks kept me motivated.”
Now nearing the end of her third year, Tumi is not only completing her degree but also gaining valuable professional experience. Thanks to the Go Beyond programme, she had the opportunity to work on some projects with Morson, building real-world skills alongside her studies.
When I went to Morson, I had a really good experience. I met people who had just recently graduated from the same course as me. They understood exactly what I was saying – even recognised the same assignments. Seeing them a step ahead of me was so eye-opening. It really showed me what’s possible – I loved it!
From building a plane simulator to connecting with the IT team and senior leaders, Tumi saw firsthand what a future in STEM could look like. And, importantly, she found confidence that the opportunities she dreamed of were within reach.
Go Beyond offers female students guidance and confidence when stepping into the realities of a STEM career – from building a standout CV and creating a professional LinkedIn profile to gaining industry experience and insights – the mentoring programme helps young females get ready for whatever comes next.
Navigating young women’s careers with a mentor
A mentor can make a huge difference when stepping into the world of work, offering real-world advice, building confidence, and opening up new possibilities. Through mentoring, students gain a clearer understanding of their career prospects, improve communication and interpersonal skills, and pick up essential tips for interviews and professional development. Most importantly, having a mentor is something that can really navigate young women’s careers and provide them with the support they need to ‘inspire, upskill and reskill the talent of tomorrow’.
Reflecting on her own experience, Tumi said: “It’s been really nice just having someone who’s a bit more experienced and understands what you’re going through. When you talk to someone who’s been in your shoes just a few years ago, they respond with wisdom and advice which makes a real difference.”
Tumi also shared how mentoring gave her the confidence to face challenges head-on, expressing her gratitude to Hannah: “I’m so glad I joined the programme because you’ve genuinely inspired me. You’ve been so helpful. You’ve helped me with so many different things.
Knowing there was someone to talk to, someone who truly understands, was incredibly helpful. I think for anyone who feels a bit like I did – stuck and unsure about what to do next, wondering if there’s light at the end of the tunnel, this programme is definitely something to consider. It helped me so much, and I’m sure it will be just as useful for others.
Paving the way for Women in STEM
The transition out of university can feel quite overwhelming, and Tumi admitted it was hard to picture the next steps after graduation. But with the support of Go Beyond, the path ahead becomes clearer and more achievable. “I’ve had a lot of help over the last three years, and I am genuinely very grateful. That’s how I got to where I am today,” she shared.
Tumi’s journey is just one example of how impactful mentorship can be. Through Go Beyond – which offers a real-world exposure, strong role models, and the right support – students aren’t just preparing for the professional world; they’re learning that they belong there.
The right mentorship can shift mindsets and open doors to careers that once felt inaccessible. That’s what the The Morson STEM Foundation is for – to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds in investigating and pursuing professional paths related to engineering and scientific fields.
Additionally, the Early Careers Development Programme provides graduates entering the job market with a range of unique training and opportunities to help them kick off their careers.
