If it matters to you it matters to us: how mentors can inspire the next generation by Jill Gates

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The Crucial Role of Mentorship in Tech: A Discussion with Andrew Gates, VP of Culture and People at In SOO

"Mentorship is integral to the ongoing success of the technology industry," says Andrew Gates, VP of Culture and People at In SOO. In a recent conference spotlighting women in tech and allied roles across the globe, Andrew discussed the importance of mentorship, allyship, and inspiring the next generation of tech talent. Main topics included the need to make the tech talent pipeline more diverse and accommodating to underrepresented groups, and the different forms and settings in which mentorship can take place.

The Importance of Mentorship in Tech

Why is mentorship vital in the tech industry? Andrew elaborates that apart from being an internal initiative, mentorship can help address the skills shortages experienced by 86% of employers last year. Providing mentorship to aspiring tech workers provides an entryway to a more diverse talent pipeline and an effective solution to tech's ongoing skills shortage.

Understanding What Mentorship Is

Mentorship comes in various forms and can transpire within or across organizational boundaries. While a mentor is generally someone who has more professional experience than the mentee, opportunities exist for "reverse mentoring," where younger or less experienced individuals mentor more senior persons.

Building a Strong Mentoring Relationship

To create a successful mentoring bond, according to Andrew, both parties must dedicate time and space for each other. Trust and respect are vital ingredients. Furthermore, unlike coaching, which is about problem-solving, mentoring is about facilitating a safe space for mentees to share their thoughts, ask questions, and explore topics they may not understand.

Mentoring In and Out of Organizations and Its Significance

Mentorship initiatives like Future Frontiers and AWS Get It provide external mentoring opportunities and pave the way for young individuals from diverse backgrounds. Andrew emphasized the enormous value these programs provide for both the young individuals involved and the mentors themselves.

The Role of Organizations in Facilitating Mentorship

Andrew stressed that organizations have the responsibility to cultivate both informal and formal mentorship within the workplace. He highlighted the importance of investing time in the planning phase of creating a mentoring program. "Informal mentoring relationships can be just as valuable as formal mentorship programs and have the potential to greatly enrich our careers," he added.

How Allyship Contributes to an Inclusive and Collaborative Culture

Being an ally to underrepresented colleagues is critical in creating an inclusive culture—something that starts from the top. Andrew emphasized, "Leaders must send the message to their employees that if it matters to you, it matters to us."

Combining Mentorship, Allyship, and Collaboration to Drive Tech Forward

With technologies growing faster than ever before, Andrew contended the need for collaboration, inclusivity, and allyship—values that he said not only enable the tech sector to flourish but also create a platform for new and underrepresented perspectives.

In conclusion, Andrew finished with a Q&A segment, tackling questions about the qualities a good mentor should have, the role of mentoring in recruitment, and the notion of reverse mentoring. His session delivered essential insights into fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and allyship among tech professionals.


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