“Not everyone is meant to be a mentor. Some people are not designed to mentor others…” These were the words from a fellow panellist during a discussion about our success, challenges, and the future for women in Africa in the technical world. Considering the challenges that women face in the tech space, I was taken back by this comment.
As I later reflected on her words, I began to ask myself: What does mentorship actually mean? Is it reserved for a select few, or does it require particular skills? Over the following weeks, I delved deeper into the concept of mentorship.
I then learnt that, a mentor is someone who has walked the path you’re currently on and can offer priceless advice based based on their experience. Mentors provide focused guidance and unique viewpoints that can significantly alter your thinking and actions. Their advice can be life-changing, even though it is usually given in the form of quick chats.
It is a common misconception that mentorship require frequent interactions or constant presence. Instead, mentees gain invaluable insights from the mentor’s expertise through occassional but impactful conversations, that make their journey more effective and efficient.
In the tech world, mentorship is essential because women still encounter many challenges that slows or even stalls their journey. By embracing mentorship roles, we contribute to the removal of these obstacles and normalisation of women in tech. For example a mentor can help a mentee deal with common issues such as overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating male-dominated tech meetings or even negotiating salary.
While everyone may not feel “designed” or “equipped” to be a mentor, I believe that many of us have what it takes to mentor others in terms of time and experience. Maybe, sharing our experiences and even encouraging others to flourish is more important than having a natural talent. By doing this, we can have a tech space that is welcoming and inclusive for all.
As we move up the career ladder, it is important to remember the value of helping those who follow in our footsteps by extending a hand to guide. Sharing our experiences, offering guidance on technical skills and providing insights into industry dynamics are ways we can help pave ways for more women to enter and thrive in the tech space.
What are your thoughts on mentorship in tech (or generally)? Have you had experiences as a mentor or mentee that shaped your career? I’d love to hear your perspectives in the comments below. Let’s continue this important conversation and work together to build a more diverse and inclusive tech community.