How can mentorship help you overcome challenges in Project Management as a woman?

In my experience, regardless of expertise or gender, having a mentor for guidance and insights is crucial. Mentorship has always helped me in advancing my Project Management career forward, and I actively seek opportunities to connect with experts in the field during networking events.

Mentoring helps to share and learn without the threat of being judged. A fresh perspective and meaningful questioning of the mentor helps in great insights enabling better self reflection.

To me, it's one of the channels to get the guidance from an experienced person on how to move forward from a challenging situation or how to embrace new opportunities in the connected domains. Mentoring acts as a gateway to get inspired by both the parties on various dimensions.

Mentorship is about growing together. The mentor is someone who will be with you during your personal and professional journey, giving you advice and feedback throughout. The experience and expertise the mentor possesses will make you take wise decisions and excel in your career.

As a woman in project management, having a mentor has helped me advance my career. A good mentor offers practical insights and knowledge to help her Mentee increase her confidence and visibility.

In my experience, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by women and men, alike, who were willing to help me avoid common pitfalls on my journey by exposing me to their lived professional experiences. The benefits were realized when I incorporated the examples and strategies in a tangible manner, such as, applying them in my PM role. Hence the continuous importance of mentorship. As a mentor now, the guidance and support I aim to provide to my mentees is to help them in their personal and professional development. At most, the focus of our conversations is on knowledge transfer and confidence building, which I see as two areas requiring more input and effort, especially for those aspiring to join or new to the project management field.

When it comes to project management, gender doesn't play a bigger role and I would say it is needed for anyone who needs guidance. For all the new buddies in the project management, mentoring will guide them to achieve project objectives in a more systematic way by adhering to project constraints. For the seasonal project manager, mentoring will help them to handle complex situations with every changing technology.

In my experience as a woman in project management, I've encountered various challenges that made me realize the immense value of mentorship. These experiences reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship for women in project management. Without support and insights, I might have struggled much more and might not have reached my full potential in project management. Mentorship can make a profound difference, providing not only practical advice but also the encouragement and belief that women in project management need to thrive and break through the barriers they face.

Women can be great leaders, we have lot of examples of this from history. They have great vision, powerful presentation skills, ability to detail topics very carefully and identify risks and issues proactively. These are very much needed for a profession like Project Management. But, like in any other industry, here also they face discriminations, unequal consideration to opportunities etc. Here comes the role of a mentor who could guide and support them, make them understand their potential, provide them with the right advice as needed. A mentor is a helping hand and a person to share knowledge, exchange real life and professional experiences/challenges and make decisions together to tackle issues effectively at the right time.

Imagine having a mentor as your confidence booster. As a woman in project management, there might be moments of uncertainty – that's when your mentor steps in, sharing their experiences, providing pep talks, and helping you stand tall. Workplaces can sometimes feel like a battlefield, especially with biases and stereotypes. A mentor is your strategic guide, offering insights and tactics to handle workplace challenges like a pro.

The first step is to write down the points/questions to be clarified with a mentor. Then look for experts in the project management domain through known circles inside the organisation or through LinkedIn. Organize a meeting with the mentor and establish personal connet

The journey to find a mentor in project management feels like navigating uncharted territory, especially as you carve your path in a male-dominated environment The search for the right mentor involves identifying those with experience, skills, and values that resonate with my aspirations. I've honed in on my goals and expectations — what I crave to learn and the support I need. It's about being specific, envisioning the mentorship relationship that aligns seamlessly with my ambitions. Taking that leap, I reach out with a carefully crafted message, expressing not just who I am but why their mentorship resonates with me. The ask is genuine, proposing a meeting or call to explore the prospect further.

To make the most of my mentorship, I set clear goals and communicate openly with my mentor. Actively engaging in discussions, seeking feedback, and taking initiative in my own development are key. I respect my mentor's time, come prepared to meetings, and value our time together. Building a genuine relationship, networking within my mentor's circle, and staying flexible contribute to a more enriching experience. I express gratitude for their guidance and consider paying it forward by becoming a mentor as I progress in my career.

The reality is that we are mentors and are being mentored everyday. It is amazing to recognize that you are always learning and simultaneously serving as a role model at the same time. To be gracious sharing your experiences, and also to be aware and grateful for meeting others in your field, creates your own personal environment for success. With the mentor/mentee mindset, we train ourselves as project leaders providing intuition, optimism and that intangible social insight that provides a guide for all project development. Enjoy each person you meet, and smile with everything you learn from them, and with each experience you share with them. You are changing the world!

To me, being a mentor for fellow women in project management means creating a welcoming space where they feel comfortable seeking advice. Actively listening to their experiences while sharing my own adds a personal touch to our connection. I'm committed to setting clear expectations for our journey and providing constructive feedback to facilitate mutual growth.

Take the time to consider: can I do more than mentor? Is there a chance for me to also act as a Sponsor? Mentorship is undeniably a first step. But all too often, women (and especially women of colour and other minoritized women) do not know where to even get their foot in the door. Where it is possible, vouch for your mentee. Actively engage with your networks to support your mentee. Take the steps to transition away from passive mentorship, and towards active sponsorship.

Instead of focusing on gender-specific mentorship in project management, prioritize mentors based on their relevant skills and experience. Emphasize a more inclusive approach that values expertise, regardless of gender, fostering a diverse exchange of ideas and experiences for a richer professional journey.

Mentorship is a valuable and worthwhile programme to be a part of, as it helps provide an unbiased and outside perspective, as well as gaining expert advice from someone who has relevant experience. There's some amazing free mentorship programmes available normally within your organisation or you can always reach out to someone in your field who you admire and respect and ask for their guidance.

Mentorship for minorities, which includes women in some fields, is powerful for advancement. Not only can you learn from someone that came before you, but you can have some one advocate for you. If you have a mentor outside of your organization, try to get an internal one as well. But the best advice I can give is to be prepared for discussions. Write down questions, comments, or concerns. Share them beforehand because that helps your mentor prepare. Lastly, if a mentor isn't working out, feel free to say so and find another one. You don't want to waste your time and vice versa. But there's nothing wrong with having different mentors for different topics.