Early in my career, I often felt like I was navigating uncharted territory alone. I realized quickly that in STEM, especially as a woman in engineering, having a supportive network could make all the difference. Mentorship became my anchor, guiding me through challenges, teaching me lessons, and helping me see my potential.
Finding Mentors: Being Bold and Intentional
To find mentors, I started by identifying people whose paths inspired me — whether it was their leadership style, technical expertise, or the way they navigated difficult situations.
I reached out, asked questions, and expressed genuine interest in learning from their experiences. Some said yes immediately, while others took time, but every connection taught me patience and perseverance.
Giving Back: Mentorship Is a Two-Way Street
As I gained experience, I realized that mentorship isn’t just about receiving guidance — it’s also about offering it. Supporting younger engineers, sharing lessons from my own missteps, and celebrating their achievements created a network that lifted all of us. Mentorship is reciprocal; it grows stronger when knowledge, encouragement, and support flow in both directions.
Practical Steps to Build Your Mentorship Network
- Be proactive. Don’t wait for mentorship to find you; seek out people who can offer guidance and insight.
- Be specific in your requests. Asking targeted questions makes it easier for mentors to offer meaningful advice.
- Show gratitude and stay engaged. Relationships thrive when you appreciate their time and continue the conversation beyond a single meeting.
- Offer mentorship when you can. Sharing your experiences not only helps others, but also reinforces your own learning.
Lessons Learned
Mentorship builds confidence and provides perspective when you face challenges. A strong network isn’t built overnight — it grows through consistent effort, trust, and mutual support. Giving and receiving mentorship strengthens the entire community of women in STEM.
To Fellow Women in STEM
Seek mentors who challenge and inspire you, and offer your guidance to those just starting their journey. Remember, your network is not just a resource — it’s a source of resilience, learning, and shared growth. Each connection you make can lift you up and, in turn, help lift someone else.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) fosters mentoring and networking in numerous ways! SWE members can take advantage of mentoring opportunities at conferences and through the SWE Mentor Network and Mentoring Working Group. Find out more on our website.
