The Difference Between a Mentor and a Sponsor: Why Having a Sponsor in the Workplace is Important for Women of Color

As a woman of color, I know that navigating the workplace can be challenging. I’ve experienced it firsthand. We often find ourselves needing extra guidance and support to excel in our careers. I’ve had a lot of mentors throughout the years but very few sponsors. The words “mentor” and “sponsor” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In this post, we will talk about the difference between a mentor and a sponsor and why having a sponsor is so important.

Mentor

A mentor is someone who provides guidance and advice. They offer their knowledge and expertise to help you navigate your career path. A mentor can be someone outside of your organization, or they may be someone within your organization but not in a position of power. The role of a mentor is to give you guidance and advice, but they don’t have the authority to put you forward for promotions or opportunities. If you are having trouble finding someone in your organization, networking is a great way to find a mentor.

Sponsor

A sponsor, on the other hand, is someone who advocates for you and uses their influence to help you advance in your career. A sponsor is often someone in a position of power who can put your name forward for promotions, opportunities, and projects. They are invested in your success and use their power to help you succeed.

As women of color, we are often underrepresented in positions of power. Having a sponsor can help us break those barriers and advance in our careers. A sponsor can provide opportunities that we may not have access to otherwise. Having a sponsor can also help to dispel any biases or assumptions that may be preventing us from advancing.

When looking for a sponsor, it’s important to find someone who is invested in your success and has the power to help you advance. A sponsor should be someone you trust and who believes in your potential. It’s also important to build relationships with people in positions of power, even if they are not your sponsor. They can still be valuable allies and advocates for your career.

In order to find a sponsor, it’s important to be proactive. Do your research and identify potential sponsors within your organization. Look for people who have a track record of advocating for diversity and inclusion, as well as people who have demonstrated a commitment to developing and mentoring others. Your organization’s ERG (employee resource group) is a great starting place.

Having a mentor and sponsor is vital for anyone’s career growth. However, understanding the difference between the two and the value each brings to your professional advancement is crucial. It is essential to accumulate experiences, skills, and relationships, but it is also necessary to leverage those relationships and surroundings in the workplace. Women of color need sponsorship to overcome the imbalances and inequalities visible in the workforce today. Finding a sponsor may be challenging, but when you identify someone who can advocate for you and create opportunities for you, the journey to professional success and career satisfaction becomes a lot smoother.