You may have been a mentor to someone in your career. Even if you didn’t use that term, you’ve probably given someone advice, looked at their resume or cover letter, and told them how you got started in your career.
That’s awesome! But it’s not enough.
Think about what you can do to be a sponsor for someone in your field. There are quite a few articles written about the differences between a mentor and a sponsor. Mentors are relatively passive in their assistance, sharing insight and perhaps serving as a sounding board for ideas. A sponsor can be so much more.
A colleague of mine, Ana Clara Blesso, articulated the distinction clearly in this NACE article:
"A sponsor is someone who can advocate for you when it comes to promotions, better projects, and even pay increases. They will help connect you to elevated opportunities in your field, provide honest feedback, and help you find chances to fill any gaps in your experience or skillset."
The word advocate is the key to being a sponsor rather than just a mentor.
Think about who in your life has advocated for you. We often advocate for young people, and it isn’t unusual to advocate for close friends or family. Perhaps a parent helped you land an after-school job when you were in high school. A friend may have put in a good word for you when you wanted to become a camp counselor. Maybe an older sibling got you a job interview at the place where they worked in college.
After a person is in the working world, it’s harder to find folks who might advocate for you. Folks often find it difficult to ask those at your workplace who are in higher positions or longer tenure. It’s a big ask.
If you’re a woman or a person of color, a sponsor is particularly valuable. There are countless minefields you need to navigate in the working world today, and a sponsor can help smooth the way for you. Sponsors can make introductions to key people or recommendations for pivotal opportunities that will make all the difference as your career progresses.
So think about who you might sponsor! Find a recent grad from your alma mater on LinkedIn, or look up the most recently hired colleagues in your place of business. Invite them to grab coffee and ask if they have ever considered finding a sponsor! Approach them with the understanding that they might not need your help now, but let them know you’d be willing to talk about the idea anytime they are ready.
If you could benefit from a career coach to prepare your resume or articulate your strengths, drop me a note. You are invited to sign up for my weekly "Career Authentically" newsletter as well.