Many Mid-Career Professionals AG members participate in the SWE Mentor Network, which allows members to connect with other mentors, provide mentorship to others, and receive support in their mentoring journey. Mentors in the SWE Mentoring Network can easily set their availability for open mentoring sessions and choose topics that align with their career, industry, and life experiences. Mentees can then request a session with a mentor whose expertise matches their area of interest. By pairing mentors and mentees based on their topics of interest, the program ensures that mentoring sessions are truly valuable.
Throughout my years of mentoring various individuals in the SWE Mentor Network, I have noticed that many mentees simply need someone to talk to. As a mentor, I believe it is essential to listen and provide encouragement and support. Often, I review resumes and cover letters and prepare examples of challenging interview questions to help mentees feel more confident in their job searches.
Additionally, I have met several mentees seeking advice on how to expedite their promotion process, improve their work-life balance, or plan for significant career changes or time off. I am consistently impressed by the sincere, dedicated, and hardworking members of SWE that I encounter.
A common theme in almost every mentoring session is the connection I feel with the mentees. I have deep empathy for their unique situations, and I make it a point to stay connected with each person I meet through the SWE Mentor Network. This ongoing relationship not only helps mentees expand their network, but also provides them with a supportive resource for seeking further guidance when needed. It is gratifying to witness the career progress of my mentees over the years.
I have always known that the hardest step in the mentoring process is getting started. Meeting strangers and not knowing how the interaction will unfold can be stressful. Since joining the SWE Mentor Network is simple, I encourage all members to participate as both mentors and mentees. The value gained from networking and sharing personal stories is invaluable, and those who haven’t joined are missing out on a fantastic opportunity.
Over the years, I have heard some stories of members forgetting about mentor/mentee appointments, and we have certainly faced network issues from time to time. If this happens to you, please don’t be discouraged! There are many mentors and mentees who genuinely want to connect with you, so keep reaching out so that we can support each other!
For more information on the SWE Mid-Career Professionals Affinity Group, you can join us on either the AG Facebook or LinkedIn. To subscribe to email updates, log in to your SWE member portal and scroll to Communication Preferences.
