Women and mentorship – why and how

Nina was working as a counselor with a health clinic for 3 years. She was happy at work and was expecting a promotion but marriage changed everything for her: country, city and career. Now she was in a new land where her experience was not recognized and she felt the need to start all over again. 2 years later, Nina is working again as nutritionist with a renowned hospital. What changed her life in these 2 years is the advice from a trusted friend who guided her to utilise her past experience and take a crash course in diet and nutrition.

A mentor could be anyone who is willing to offer his knowledge, time and guidance to help overcome a career hurdle. For women, mentorship is particularly more important as they deal with planned and unplanned career breaks and changes. If you are a wife, new mother or just looking for advancing your career, consider seeking a mentor who can help you deal with major life and work events effectively without compromising your career.

Why should we (women) look for mentors?

1. We have fewer females in managerial and leadership roles.
2. Women earn 56% of what their male colleagues earn for performing the same job.
3. Women are more often to leave jobs due to marriage and motherhood.
4. Women who want to return to work after a break face rejection and lack of opportunities.
5. Half of the women who leave their job after childbirth never return to work.
6. Majority of trailing spouses is female.
7. Women who accompany a spouse abroad often leave a career behind and start afresh.
8. Women are more often to face challenges balancing family and work responsibilities.
9. Women are more often to look for part time or flexi-time work options at some stage during their career to support child care or elder care.
10. Women are more vulnerable to harassment and exploitation at the workplace.

There are many ways women today can approach mentorship

Mentoring programs for women – Such Mentorship program match women with women mentors from diverse industries to develop leadership skills and build confidence. All applicants are accessed and are matched based on field of interest, industry and experience.

Online communities – There are many online communities and focus groups committed to helping each other virtually and often in person. These groups share stories and experiences with fellow women looking for guidance. These groups also meet at certain time to share ideas and discuss progress. All you need is to find out your local groups and communities and participate in their events and activities

Career development programs - Settling in a new job, city or country can require people to look at their careers in new ways. Mentoring provides an opportunity to learn about new professions, to adjust career goals or set new ones if necessary, and make future plans. They provide assistance with setting career goals, gaining skills and knowledge and developing strategy to achieve those goals.

Women today are more than ready to help, encourage and guide each other to achieve success at work and life. Do not hesitate to move out of your comfort zone and ask for help. All you need is to understand what you want and whom to consider a mentor

“There is no shortage of knowledge out there, just a shortage of asking for help”

Looking for a mentor? Click here to find a mentor on SHEROES today!

By Meetu Khanduja

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