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WISTA Maritime Meet-Up Program

Mentee-driven mentoring in Norway that connects women in the maritime and ocean industries with experienced leaders to support career development and leadership.

Who is it for?

Women in Norway's maritime and ocean industries

Program overview

The WISTA Maritime Meet‑Up Program creates a meeting place where women working in the maritime and ocean sectors can connect with experienced leaders (female and male) to advance career goals, develop leadership skills and navigate industry challenges. The initiative is mentee driven and focuses on active listening, contextual advice and exploring real-world scenarios with the maritime sector as a backdrop. The programme has been run by WISTA Norway since 2012, originally in collaboration with YoungShip.

Who should take part

Mentees: women working in the maritime and ocean industries and based in Norway who want structured, one‑to‑one guidance on career development and leadership.

Mentors: experienced industry leaders willing to give time, share insight and support the next generation of maritime professionals.

Format and practical approach

The programme is structured around regular mentor–mentee conversations agreed between the pair; meetings can be in person or blended depending on participants' locations.
Meetings are recommended to allow enough time for meaningful discussion (typical suggested length is 1.5–2 hours), but frequency and duration are flexible and set by mentor and mentee.
Communication methods and confidentiality should be agreed at the start to ensure a safe and trusting mentoring relationship.
The programme is mentee‑led: mentees are expected to define goals and bring topics or questions to each meeting so the mentor’s time is used effectively.

Expectations for mentees

Drive the conversations and set objectives for each meeting.
Confirm meeting logistics in advance and come prepared with topics or an agenda.
Be ready to reflect on feedback and explore options for career development and leadership.

Expectations for mentors

Empower mentees to take ownership of challenges and decisions rather than prescribing solutions.
Actively listen, help explore scenarios and provide considered feedback on both facts and feelings.
Share personal insight, industry knowledge and practical options when the mentee is ready to receive them.

Benefits

Participants gain targeted career support, broadened professional perspective, practical advice from experienced industry actors and an expanded network within the maritime and ocean sectors.

Organisers and cooperation

The programme is run by WISTA Norway and continues in cooperation with industry partners and organisations. It builds on long‑standing collaboration with groups active in Norway’s maritime community.