Through UTC’s mentorship program, Caroline Meacham (‘19) and student Audrie Pletcher are building confidence, expanding career possibilities and helping the next generation of engineers thrive.
When civil engineering student Audrie Pletcher and UTC alumna Caroline Meacham meet for lunch at Rembrandt’s, their conversations rarely follow a script.
Some days, they talk about coursework and internships. Other days, the discussion turns to work-life balance, confidence or the uncertainty that comes with planning for the future. What began as a mentorship match has evolved into something deeper: a trusted relationship between two women navigating different stages of the same profession.
A Mentorship That Goes Beyond Expectations
“I wasn’t sure how close of a personal relationship I would form, but I have been very pleasantly surprised at the professional and personal relationship Caroline and I have been able to develop,” Pletcher said.
For Pletcher, a student preparing to enter the engineering workforce, that relationship has become one of the greatest benefits of her UTC experience.
“The most valuable part of having a mentor has been having someone to show me the opportunities that are available that I haven’t even thought about,” she said. “Caroline has been able to expose me to so many career opportunities I didn’t know were out there, which has really changed the direction of my future career.”
One conversation in particular helped broaden her understanding of what her future could look like.
Expanding Career Possibilities
For one of their meetings, Meacham invited a former professor and engineering professional to join them. What started as a casual discussion quickly became a window into career paths Pletcher had never considered.
“We talked about so many different opportunities that are available for me to pursue, and I think that was the first time I really realized the potential of my degree,” she said.
For Meacham, helping students discover those possibilities is exactly why she volunteered to become a mentor.
“After I met with Irene, I could see that she was building something special, and I wanted to be a part of it,” Meacham said. “I think having a mentorship program is very helpful in exposing students to what a real-life engineering job could be like and helps introduce them to possible employers.”
The pair were matched through the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science’s mentorship program, led by Irene Hillman, director of student success. The yearlong initiative connects students with professionals working in engineering and technology fields, creating opportunities for career exploration, networking and personal growth.
Students begin by setting personal and professional goals while mentors provide guidance, encouragement and industry perspective.
“A great mentor asks lots of questions, builds confidence and is willing to open doors,” Hillman said.
Building Confidence Along the Way
For Pletcher, those open doors have come in many forms. While she initially expected career advice, she quickly realized the relationship offered something equally valuable: reassurance.
“Caroline has been amazing at building my confidence,” Pletcher said. “I’ve always felt like I needed to put more and more on my plate in order to prepare myself or make myself stand out, but Caroline has been able to help me see the things that are really important to focus on.”
Meacham understands those pressures well.
“I don’t know what magic Irene worked when she paired us together,” she said, “but I see so many similarities in Audrie and I and if that is true, then making time for doing things you enjoy is just as important as all the obligations and work and homework that seem more important.”
Her past experiences as a student balancing clubs, student government, student conduct board membership and being an ambassadors for the college of engineering often shape the advice she now shares with students.
“Have fun, and free time is important,” she said. “Making time for doing things you enjoy is just as important as all the obligations.”
Their conversations often blend practical advice with personal encouragement, helping Pletcher feel more grounded as she prepares for life after graduation.
“She’s made me feel confident in the path I am on as well as more confident in my connections within the industry,” Pletcher said. “I am looking forward to the future.”
While the mentorship has influenced Pletcher’s future, Meacham says the experience has also been meaningful for her.
“While in school, I know I would’ve loved to be in a program like this and I’m glad to help and offer any insight now that I am on the other side. I really like how they make everyone feel like a family and it feels like an encouraging community.”
The Bigger Picture: Women Supporting Women
Their story reflects something larger than a single mentor match. In fields where women remain underrepresented, relationships like theirs can help students envision themselves in careers they may never have considered and give them the confidence to pursue them.
For Meacham, that’s what makes mentorship so important.
“Women supporting women is the key for women to continue to thrive and grow in fields where we are not the majority,” she said. “The goal is to make it easier for more women to join us.”
Interested in serving as a mentor?
UTC alumni with professional experience in computer science or engineering are invited to serve as mentors in the CECS Mentoring Program. Interested individuals should contact the program director at cecs-successcenter@utc.edu and provide a brief overview of their professional background. Please note that mentors must be physically present in Chattanooga to participate in monthly, in-person meetings and attend orientation.
Orientation for the 2026–2027 program will take place on August 29, 2026.
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