“The project opens doors for my future path”

“This project teaches me a lot about myself, the industry, and how to positively affect others," says Aliza Bruck (23), a fourth-year electrical engineering student specializing in nano-electronics and signal processing and a participant in Elbit Systems' “Babushka” project. “As part of the project, a mentor from Elbit guides me and helps me understand how my degree applies to the professional world, and also helps me throughout the job hunting process. Simultaneously, I mentor a ninth-grade student whom I help with studies and supporting decisions that could impact her future.”

“Babushka” is a three-generational mentoring project aimed at promoting technological education and gender diversity. This aligns with research showing that in male-dominated environments, women advance more successfully when they have female mentors as role models. In the project, female STEM students receive mentoring from Elbit's female engineers while mentoring middle school students themselves. “My mentor is an engineer at Elbit. She inspires me greatly and helps me figure out the next steps in my career. My mentee is a ninth-grade student, and mentoring her is an educational and moving experience for me,” Aliza shares.

Einav Ashual (24), a third-year nano-electronics and bio-engineering student, joined the project for the opportunity to combine personal growth, professional development, and helping others. “The project exposes me to various roles and offers a glimpse into the defense industry, something I think every citizen would want right now. My mentor, Tal, an Elbit engineer, is always available for questions and consultations, and I feel like the project can open doors for my future,” she says. “I’ve gained a new social framework, and I love meeting new people. As for mentoring – I truly love teaching. My mentee is Shahar, a ninth-grade student, and the project gives me the opportunity to influence her choices at such a critical stage in her studies, just before choosing majors.”

In addition to “Babushka,” Elbit also runs the “Follow Her” project in which female students in grades 8-12 meet with women in senior roles in the industry. Elbit also takes part in “Sodkot – Cracking the Glass Ceiling” and “Movilot” leadership projects, all aimed at encouraging women to pursue careers in the fields of engineering and technological. “The project has definitely given me new perspectives and broadened my horizons in terms of the professional directions I can take in my career,” Aliza concludes, adding: “I feel that it contributes to my development, both professionally and personally.”