Mentoring Versus Sponsorship

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a collaborative relationship with a more senior person that provides the mentee with insight and support to reach their personal goals and develop specific competencies that support their career direction. Mentors assist mentees to gain a broader perspective, make smart business decisions, and overcome workplace challenges. For example, mentors provide mentees with:

Career Guidance: Exploring and discussing ideas, issues and questions regarding their career
Navigation: The mentor knows company culture (“How we get things done around here”) and can provide guidance
Learning: Mentors share knowledge, experiences and coaching on technical and soft skills

What is Sponsorship?

Sponsorship is a relationship between an established leader and an employee to accelerate their career development by raising visibility and access to opportunities that may not otherwise come naturally. Sponsors focus on enabling advancement through advocacy and championing. For example, sponsors provide sponsees with:

Powerful introductions and opportunities for development
Specific, candid feedback about the sponsee’s reputation, performance, ability, etc.
A commitment to having their own brand and legacy tied to that of a sponsee

The difference between having a mentor and a sponsor is that mentors advise you and sponsors advocate for you.

Baumgarten, Maryann. “The Key Role of Sponsorship.” The Key Role of Sponsorship for Diverse Talent

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