STEAM Ahead Program.

World-class career development for women.

Our award-winning program is a transformative career development experience designed to empower early-career women* from diverse backgrounds to successfully launch their careers. We focus on building confidence, enhancing skills, and connecting participants with employment opportunities through valuable networking with industry partners.

IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH

Aurecon.png
4.png
3.png
EQ.png
10.png
Aginic.png
Arup.png
Shell Energy.png

“The program has significantly boosted my confidence and employability, allowing me to explore career paths I hadn’t previously considered. I now feel more capable of tackling real-world challenges and making a meaningful impact in my field.”

Nomusa, Bachelor of Science and Masters of Project Management

Program Overview.

Empowering women* in early careers.

Our award-winning program is designed to support women in early career stages, providing them with the tools to thrive in their professional journey. Over 10 weeks, participants engage in focused learning modules that develop capability, boost confidence, and increase employability. The program culminates in opportunities to connect with industry leaders and access early-career employment pathways.

Program Duration and Commitment.

Ideal for: Aspiring and early-career women*

Duration: 10-week online program

Start Date: March 2025

Time Commitment: 3–4 hours per week, including live online events, interactive sessions, and self-paced learning.

Delivery: Online

Cost: Free of charge

* The term "women" encompasses all individuals who identify as women, including cisgender women, transgender women, and non-binary individuals who aspire to dream big and launch their early careers. Our program is committed to inclusivity and diversity, welcoming applicants from various backgrounds to foster a rich and supportive community.

Program Modules.

Delivered online, the Program immerses you in professional development and employment opportunities that prepare you to launch your career. The themes of capability, confidence, and employability are woven throughout the modules.

Each module addresses key areas essential for launching a successful career. Click on the sections to learn more about the Program Modules.

Capability.

  • Discover your unique strengths and values to align them with your career ambitions.

  • Sharpen your critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.

  • Build trust and foster collaboration in diverse team environments.

Confidence.

  • Improve your communication and presentation skills for professional success.

  • Learn how to lead with confidence and inspire others.

  • Build self-belief and resilience to overcome challenges.

Employability.

  • Build strong professional relationships and create your personal brand.

  • Master the art of showcasing your experience and skills in the job application process.

  • Identify and explore potential career paths to achieve your professional goals.

Our program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing participants to balance their commitments while gaining valuable skills and experiences.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of Dream Big Australia. Our program is dedicated to ensuring that marginalised individuals, especially those from regional or low socioeconomic backgrounds, are not financially hindered in accessing career and employment opportunities. Participants will also benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and connections with industry leaders, all aimed at empowering them to successfully launch their careers.

Employment Opportunities.

Exclusive Talent Community.
By joining the program, you gain access to our exclusive talent community, where you can connect with leading employers and explore internships and graduate roles. We collaborate closely with industry partners dedicated to supporting women’s career growth, ensuring you have access to valuable employment opportunities.

Success Stories.
Participants of our program have successfully secured employment with our industry partners, who provide internships and graduate roles tailored for women. These exclusive opportunities are available upon program completion, along with mentorship to support your career development.

Join our Community.

A Community that empowers you.
We have created an inclusive and supportive environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and industry professionals. At Dream Big Australia, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Our community offers opportunities for networking, learning, and mentoring, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued.

Connecting talent with opportunity.
Our talent community acts as a bridge between you and potential employers. Participants can access exclusive job opportunities, internships, and graduate roles tailored for women. Our platform enables you to showcase your skills and experiences to employers committed to fostering diversity in the workplace.

Testimonials.

  • Emma | B. Data Science

    “Being part of the STEAM Ahead Program not only helped me to improve my employability but to know myself and my abilities better.

    I am more confident about what I want to achieve and what my values, capabilities and strengths are. I also made great connections and met amazing, successful people who I’m grateful for.”

  • Tiahna | B. Data Science & B. Science

    “Dream Big Australia's STEAM Ahead Program played a pivotal role in my development as an early career professional.

    Throughout the program, I gained a better understanding of my strengths & values, became more confident to connect with like-minded people at networking events, and made great friends along the way too!”

  • Lucy | B. Electrical Engineering & B. Chemical Sciences

    “Being exposed to so many amazing women validated my desires in my career and confirmed that I am capable. That feeling is consolidated with all the tools and techniques the Dream Big team equipped me with.”

  • Cassandra | B. Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    “The STEAM Ahead Program gave me the necessary skills to expand my network and explore exciting opportunities within the industry.

    The program helped me realise my strengths and the skills I am able to bring to a team, giving me a greater level of confidence in my own abilities.”

  • Sharyn | B. Information Technology

    “My experiences in the program paved the way for rewarding opportunities at Energy Queensland, where I advanced from a vacation student to an intern, and finally to a proud recipient of the Future of Engineering Scholarship. Beyond professional milestones, the program connected me with an inspiring community of women. This network has become an invaluable source of support and advice, profoundly impacting not just my career, but my life as a whole.”

  • Nomusa | B. Science and Masters of Project Management

    “The program has significantly boosted my confidence and employability, allowing me to explore career paths I hadn’t previously considered. I now feel more capable of tackling real-world challenges and making a meaningful impact in my field”

  • Rahima | Master in Engineering Management | The University of Melbourne

    “I really want to thank to Dream Big for choosing me to learn from this program and I would recommend this program to all prospective students whose still persuading for a dream careers. Honestly, It’s something extraordinary for extraordinary people”

  • Mia | B. Science/Bachelor of Economics | The University of Queensland

    “The STEAM Ahead Program has been so helpful in highlighting my skillset. whilst also suggesting areas for development in things I know employers look at which I maybe didn’t think about before”

Become career-ready.

Build industry networks.

FAQs.

  • The program is open to women and non-binary individuals in Australia who are preparing to launch their early careers. We encourage applications from individuals across all fields, with a focus on supporting diverse backgrounds and providing equal opportunities.

  • We recommend applying from your second year of studies onwards, but anyone who feels ready to start their career journey can apply. This allows you to make the most of career preparation opportunities. Apply anytime, the STEAM Ahead Program begins March each year. Webinars will run weekly for the 10 week duration of the program.

  • Our application form allows you to send a copy of your application to yourself on submission.

    If you are concerned your submission hasn't gone through, you can email us at contactus@dreambigaustralia.org, and we'll check we've received it from our end.

    You won't hear an update on the status of your application until after our assessment process.

    After your application is reviewed, you will be enrolled in the Program and can begin to work through the content at your own pace. The sooner you finish the program, the sooner you can access mentoring opportunities through our monthly newsletter.

Explore our full list of FAQs here.

Awards.

  • LearnX Award for Best Learning Model: Blended

    2022

  • Gender Diversity Awards ‘Highly Commended’

    2016

  • CQUniversity Opal Award for Excellence in Engagement

    2016, 2017

Program Impact.

The STEAM Ahead Program is offered free of charge, ensuring it is accessible to a diverse range of women and non-binary individuals, particularly those who may face financial or geographic barriers.

Our commitment to inclusion allows us to empower participants from all backgrounds, offering equal opportunities for career success.

We welcome applications from anyone looking to launch their career, with a strong focus on those who may have experienced barriers in education or employment. Our participants come from a broad range of experiences and identities, contributing to the diversity and richness of our program.

Whether you're from a rural area, a low-income household, or identify as part of an underrepresented community, you'll find a supportive and inclusive space to grow your career with us.

Our cohort reflects the broad spectrum of gender identities, ethnicities, abilities, and life experiences that make our community strong.

Launch your career.

Join our award-winning STEAM Ahead Program and take the next step towards launching a successful, purpose-driven career. Empowering diverse women to create equal opportunities is at the heart of what we do.