Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I decided to become a mentor because throughout my career and education, mentoring had been the biggest source of fulfillment and happiness for me. From tutoring high schoolers and being a TA in college to managing interns at Microsoft, I love the feeling of seeing someone either understand a concept or reach their goals. The challenge of needing to listen and empathize with a mentee is fascinating to me and never gets old--I really have to listen both to what they are saying and what they are not saying, then need to pull a tool or idea out of my own experience in order to support them in the best way possible. Building that trust and relationship is really fulfilling for me and also helps them move forward in the direction of their goals.
How did you get your career start?
I started out at Microsoft right out of college. I found the position as a support engineer by attending a Society of Women Engineers conference and working my way to the Microsoft booth there. Starting out in the MACH (Microsoft Academy for College Hires) program as a support engineer was a great way to have a community going into the professional world at a somewhat intimidating and large company. In that first position, I wasn't doing the work I wanted to do (writing code), so my technical advisor on my team at the time connected me with an old mentee of his, and she connected me with the head of a department that seemed like a good fit for me, who then connected me... and so on ;) until, after about 6 informational interviews, I spoke with someone who was hiring in that department! I studied a lot, landed a role on that team and fell in love with software engineering, working with customers, and growing my skills to become a leader on the teams I was a part of.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
A whole host of things! I've worked with a mentees who want to have bigger impact in their jobs, some who to want to find a place they could fit in at Microsoft, college students who need a more structured learning plan, and people who have miscellaneous tech and career problems they want to solve. My philosophy when it comes to mentoring is that each mentee is different so we have a highly iterative and adaptable plan that best suits their needs. I encourage my mentees to be very open and quick with feedback so they can be as involved in their own success and the mentorship as possible. Because each person is different, I have no set schedule or template that I apply to our time together, but instead organize a plan with them during our first session or so, then support them as best as I can as we move forward together.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
After a few initial sessions focused on specific tech skills, one of my mentees and I realized that he needed to take a step back and explore his career goals from a different perspective. We spent a couple session discussing what he liked and didn't like about his current role, who he wanted to emulate, and what his strengths were. When I suggested a possible career path that sounded like it would suit him, I asked "how does that feel to try on? I don't want to push you in a direction that feels wrong." and he said "It feels like someone actually believes in me!" That was my favorite session to date. I was so happy he felt my belief in his success and that it encouraged him to go down a path he originally had thought he wasn't skilled enough for. He is very intelligent and enthusiastic and I know he will succeed in whatever path he chooses!
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
So many things! I absolutely love being a mentor. After every session, I'm in such a great mood that I want to call a friend or family member just to tell them how fun it was. It's not easy, and I feel that I learn something new with each new mentee. Not only do I feel like I'm sharpening my skills as a mentor, I know I am gaining experience that will provide me with the skills to be a manager one day. Lastly, and this is one of my favorite parts, I thought I needed a mentor to look up to in order to be inspired, but I am so inspired by my mentees. Their drive, commitment to learning, and passion for their work makes me want to work harder, both for them and in my own job. It was exactly the boost I didn't know I needed to spark more passion in my own career.