Some of Australia's top companies have provided mentors for a program aimed at helping female students achieve success in the corporate world.

The 2008 UNSW Lucy Mentoring Program was launched last week, with 41 female students meeting their high profile mentors for the first time.

The mentoring program began at UNSW in 2007 and targets female students studying business, finance, economics, accounting and law.

Students are paired with female mentors in senior management roles and offered work experience at their mentor's workplace.

The program aims to help address the under-representation of Australian women in senior management roles by providing access to support and professional networks.

A number of students who completed the 2007 Lucy Program have already secured employment through their mentor.

This year's mentors represent the executive level of numerous high profile organisations including, Deloitte, Westpac, JP Morgan and the Attorney General's Department.

Director of NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office for Women's Policy, Gillian Ferguson and UNSW Deputy Chancellor, Gabrielle Upton were guest speakers at the opening function.

Upton believes the program benefits both the students and the University by strengthening institutional outreach and industry networks.

"The Lucy Program represents UNSW's strong commitment to giving young women the best possible opportunity to find their calling. It has also brought senior UNSW alumni back to participate as mentors in the program," said Upton.

2007 Mentor,UNSW Alumnus and representative of Switzer Media and Publishing, Maureen Jordan, found that her involvement with the program resulted in a mutually beneficial relationship with her student.

"I met a wonderful ambitious young woman who is keen to develop herself and that is inspirational," said Jordan.

The program is coordinated by UNSW Careers and Employment and is a partnership between the NSW Office for Women and Women Chiefs of Enterprises International.

Media Contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | fran.strachan@unsw.edu.au