Black Female Executives Recommend How To Ask For Mentorship
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Posted By: S. Moore on June 14, 2023 School is out! Summer plans for college girls and graduates include starting an internship or first full-time job, so we’ve got mentorship and guidance advice for you. Breaking into new spaces can be intimidating, but finding someone who can take you under your wing at the job can help relieve some anxiety. Luckily, we asked three black female executives for their best advice on interns and recent graduates approaching leadership for mentorship. We know their words will shape how you make this the most rewarding Summer yet. Shamika Williams, Senior Director, Global Inclusion & Diversity Strategy Commercialization & HBCU Initiatives at Bristol Myers Squibb  What advice would you give to interns and entry-levels trying to impress leadership? This is one of my favorite things to discuss since some of my most rewarding work has been with our Tomorrow’s Innovators Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). My advice is to know your story and be able to articulate it to each and every person you interact with. Think of each interaction with a leader as an interview. You aim to ensure they remember you when opportunities are available in their organization or department. Relationship building is extremely important. How would you recommend interns or entry-levels approach leadership for mentorship? I recommend that people start connecting while they are still in college. LinkedIn is a great tool for this. That way, when you are out in the world and ready for a career, you already have some connections. The other thing is to avail yourself of what companies offer. What qualities of a mentee do you look for to be comfortable taking them under your wing? A willingness to stretch beyond their comfort zone is probably the most important quality I look for. There can be no growth without some stretch, and I want to mentor people who want to grow. Fri Forjindam, Co-Owner, Chief Development Officer & Executive Creative of MYCOTOO  What advice would you give to interns and entry-levels trying to impress leadership? You know that saying: Be Yourself? Yeah, I hated that phrase! I loathed it when I entered the workforce because, by nature of being young, impressionable, and certainly moldable, I hadn’t yet gained the confidence or language to articulate who I was. What I would’ve preferred to hear then is what I would advise interns now: Forecast 10 years into the future of your dreams and envision the human you want to be in terms of attributes and traits (not skills). Skills are learned, but attributes have to do with the following: Attitude, Curiosity, Openness to grow, Appetite for being okay with not having all the answers and Traits that are about constant expansion of awareness. If those attributes are clear and your future YOU present yourself as a confident unicorn, bottle up that secret dream and bring that Northstar to EVERY interview, conversation, and opportunity to start a professional relationship. It’s not arrogant to dream big; it’s actually fuel. And if you allow that fuel to be a catalyst for your questions, curiosities, and enthusiasm about what you want to learn more of….it is extremely contagious. Individuals in leadership positions recognize that instantly. It’s called drive, and the smart ones know it’s filled with potential. Who doesn’t want to say they “discovered the next great unicorn.” How would you recommend interns or entry-levels approach leadership for mentorship? Do your homework! Nothing is a bigger turn-off than a cold email, phone call, or online message that feels like a form letter or template. If you don’t take the time to demonstrate that you understand and are open to the opportunity of adding value to a team, why would you expect it the other way around? And adding value isn’t about having lots of experience necessary. Adding value is about curiosity, passion, and creative initiative. What qualities of a mentee do you look for to be comfortable taking them under your wing? Someone curious about the world around them, who isn’t afraid to ask questions, and who brings a point of view. Someone who understands the difference between “taking notes” and “taking a note” in a room…or that Star Wars and Star Trek are completely separate lifestyles! Cari Gillman, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb  What advice would you give interns and entry-level employees trying to impress leadership? Always show up prepared, ask questions, and be willing to reach outside of your comfort zone. How would you recommend interns or entry-level employees approach leadership for mentorship? Be direct and respectful in your ask. There is a reason why you are asking this person for mentoring – tell them why you want to work with them and then take full advantage of their time by coming to meetings prepared with specific questions or agendas. Follow up with updates and always remember to thank them for their time. What qualities of a mentee do you look for to be comfortable taking them under your wing? I will mentor almost anyone who asks. However, there are those unique people I seek out and offer to help. They are inquisitive and curious self-starters, open to feedback, and have a great sense of humor. It’s always more enjoyable to work with people who can laugh! SOURCE Girls United If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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