What to consider when finding a sponsor

I’m discussing yet another great career question asked of me when I visited the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Asian American Cultural Center a few weeks back:

What advice would you give to someone looking to find a sponsor?

Having a personal connection in your professional network, such as a mentor, can provide invaluable career guidance. These mentors, with their rich experience, offer insights based on firsthand knowledge, helping you navigate through situations they've previously encountered. They share their wisdom, providing the foresight we often wish we possessed when making significant career decisions. They candidly express what they would have done differently, share any learnings from their mistakes and successes, ultimately giving you the benefit of hindsight.

However, while mentors play a crucial role in our career development, having a sponsor can support your professional advancement even further. The roles of mentors and sponsors are different; mentors provide advice and insights, while sponsors actively use their influence to champion your cause.

Sponsors are well-versed with your work and your professional credentials, and they have the power to directly aid your career progression. They are the ones who advocate for you in high-level meetings that you might not be privy to. They hold sway and decision-making clout when it comes to choosing who gets to participate and lead high-profile initiatives.

So, if you’re interested in finding a sponsor, here are a few things to consider before you actually approach the person:?

• Make sure your personal brand promotes your expertise, passion, and credibility. Your personal brand should not only state what you’re interested in but showcase your expertise and vouch for your reputation as an authority. Build a professional online presence that highlights your achievements, contributions, and the value you bring. A strong personal brand can make you more visible to potential sponsors while promoting your credibility. You need to prove your worth and ensure that your potential sponsor perceives you as credible. This could involve demonstrating your skills, sharing your achievements, or even having an ally or peer discuss your work in other circles.
• Before approaching a potential sponsor, have a clear understanding of your professional goals, both short-term and long-term. Reflect and think about what you want to be doing in your career twelve months from now, along with where you are years down the road. This will guide your conversation and help you articulate what you are seeking from the sponsorship relationship. Your goals can also help you identify a sponsor who aligns with your career path and can provide pertinent guidance.
• Evaluate your existing network critically to identify potential sponsors. Look for individuals who hold influential positions, have the extended reach in their affiliations, and have the resources or influence to open doors for you. Additionally, it’s best if the person knows your industry and the type of work you do as they are likely to be aware of the opportunities for advancement. In many cases, a sponsor can emerge out of a mentorship relationship, or through a senior colleague, or a leader in your profession. The right sponsor should be someone who recognizes your potential and is willing to advocate for you.

Before taking the leap to approach your preferred sponsor, ensure you've established a solid connection with them. Building a relationship precedes making a request.

Instead of immediately seeking their assistance, focus your efforts into understanding the potential sponsor better. This can be accomplished by seeking their views on industry trends or events, or by posing questions during a conference they are participating in or a departmental meeting they are guest speaking at.

Creating the opportunity for interaction puts you on their radar and provides a chance for them to gain a deeper understanding of what you offer. This approach will be beneficial in the long run, building a relationship with your potential sponsor first before sharing all your dreams of what you’d like to do with your career.?

Finding a sponsor is about building relationships, along with showing your value, and demonstrating your potential. Don't rush the process; take the time to find someone who genuinely believes in you and your career aspirations. It's a partnership that benefits both parties, so make it count.

Do you have a sponsor for your career aspirations? What strategies have worked for you in finding a sponsor? I'd love to hear. ?? Please comment below!