Let’s Rally: Why Mentorship Is Key to Your Career Journey

A career is a journey that unfolds in unexpected ways. We learn as we go, tucking away nuggets of wisdom that sharpen our skills. Education and training lay the foundation of knowledge, and experience deepens our understanding, but it is through others that we uncover new perspectives that foster growth — which is why we’re huge advocates of mentorship at The Mom Project.

Mentorship can provide many things: guidance, an empathetic ear, new ideas, inspiration, opportunity — the list goes on. RALLY is a mentorship initiative led by The Mom Project to connect community members, providing space for you to give advice, get advice or both. Since its beginning, RALLY has helped thousands of mentors and mentees connect and learn from each other.

What is RALLY? 

Building a career takes dedication and hard work. It is both rewarding and challenging, and at times, it can feel isolating, especially if you’re returning to work after a pause or pivoting career paths. We understand how crucial encouragement can be in these moments. RALLY is designed to meet you exactly where you are in your career. The program provides 1-on-1 mentorship and support that goes both ways.

It’s simple — The Mom Project will match you with a fellow community member, with whom you’ll meet at least once a month to share stories, soak in new ideas, listen, and learn. RALLY offers a unique way to grow and be inspired — but don’t just take our word for it. Watch our sizzle reel to hear what participants love about the RALLY experience.

RALLY in action: why is mentorship important?

Mentorship is a wonderful way to advance your career and enhance your growth. Ashima Sharma, founder of Dreami, which seeks to make mentorship accessible for all, says that “Mentorship is an essential component of personal and professional growth…Mentors can help you achieve your goals, develop your skills, and navigate the challenges that come with life and work.”

While each person’s experience with mentorship will be unique, here are some overall key benefits that mentorship offers for career development:

• Gaining insights from someone with more experience. A mentor can provide perspective and advice to help you navigate your career based on lessons they've learned.
• Increased visibility. Mentors often have connections and networks you can tap into, opening doors and entrenching you in the industry.
• Building skills. Mentors give feedback that helps you improve critical skills like communication, leadership, project management, and more.
• Finding focus. Mentors can help you hone in on your strengths and interests and determine the best career path for you.
• Increased confidence. Having the support of a mentor gives you someone to turn to when you have self-doubt. They believe in you and push you forward.
• Accountability. A mentor keeps you accountable to career goals and timelines so you keep making progress.
• Broadened perspectives. Exposure to how your mentor thinks about work and deals with challenges expands your worldview.
• Psychological safety. You can be more open with a mentor about challenges, fears, mistakes — they provide a safe space.

The ideal mentorship should complement your own efforts, giving you the clarity, confidence and essential skills needed to propel your career development.

Becoming a mentor: Learning through teaching

This cohort, we’re specifically looking for mentors. Being a mentor provides a great opportunity to reflect on your own journey and share your unique insights. Think back to when you first started, or when you rejoined the workforce, or when you decided to take the leap to pursue a new role. The leaders who reached out a helping hand likely had an enormous impact that guided you to where you are today.

Becoming a mentor is your opportunity to pay it forward.

The mentees aren’t the only ones who are learning. While mentors typically have more experience and are more settled in their roles, the work world is always evolving. Mentees bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, and the mutual sharing of information can be as enriching for mentors as it is for mentees.

Recently, we hosted a panel featuring some of the mentors from our Spring 2023 Cohort. They shared why they chose to become mentors and why being a mentor offers immense opportunities for learning for all involved. Check it out!