Empowered women empower women. That’s just one of our beliefs here at InspireHer. It’s crucial to have structured mentorships where women can learn from each other.
Every person you meet knows something that you don’t—which can be both unnerving and invigorating. Think about all the knowledge available at your fingertips, if you were just able to connect in the right way.
Benefits of Mentorship
The mentoring relationship provides mutual benefits for both the mentor and the mentee, both professionally and personally.
Benefits for the mentee include:
guidance on professional development
advice on developing strengths and addressing challenges
an increase in self-confidence and motivation
Benefits for the mentor include:
development of leadership and teaching skills
exposure to new ideas and perspectives
development of interpersonal communications skills
How to Find A Mentor
The key is to find someone who inspires you and who sees your potential. Age and experience are not necessarily important, because what matters most is whether the person has the qualities or knowledge you can learn from. Mentoring relationships are about providing support and motivation: mentors share their knowledge, skills, and perspectives with the mentee.
Find someone in your current network. According to our research, it’s quite rare to get that mentorship relationship from a stranger.
Attend networking events. (We’re super lucky to have so many options in Edmonton, including InspireHer events!)
Volunteer, especially with a related organization or at events in your industry. It’s a great way to meet people with similar interests and passions.
Attend conferences in the field/industry you are interested in learning more about.
Tips to Starting a Mentorship Relationship
Like all meaningful relationships, mentorship is built on mutual trust, respect, and communication.
Clarify expectations and goals.
Discuss learning and communication styles.
Maintain contact. This may involve setting a regular schedule.
Let the relationship evolve organically.
Learn about each other on both an individual and professional basis.
Ask for and act on feedback.
Our last piece of advice: Mentor other women (even if you feel like you haven’t “made it” yet). Don’t underestimate the insights, work/life balancing skills, and first-hand experiences you’ve acquired to get to where you are today.
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