No longer simply dismissed as über-connected adolescents, millennials have grown up, graduated and are poised to develop their professional careers. The workplace, however, may not be ready to receive them. While the percentage of millennials receiving higher education degrees is greater than any previous generation, these men and women are less likely to find employment opportunities.
The plight is particularly troubling for female millennials who may be ignored or passed over by management. A study by Bentley University reported that 77 percent of male business decision makers believe men are better to suited to succeed in today’s business culture. President of Bentley University Gloria Larson says this idea is “based on general perception rather than concrete evidence.”
With so few females represented in the top echelon of business leadership – women account for only four percent of CEOs in the S&P 500 – millennial women are entering an environment where the top decision-makers at their companies may be predisposed to favor their male counterparts.
It’s more important than ever for young professional women to seek career mentors and sponsors to gain the business advice, experience and social capital necessary to advance their careers. Here are four reasons why every millennial needs a mentor.
If you have a career goal in mind or have been dying to develop a specific skill set, talk it through with your mentors. They have likely been in your position before and can help you develop an action plan to get it done. Plus, hearing their perspective and gaining their support can boost your confidence.
When you consciously engage in a mentor relationship, you develop a bond based on trust and respect. You can have discussions with your mentor that you might not want to address directly with your manager, especially if it’s a topic that might impact your job or pay.
Beyond advice and encouragement, mentors can be an excellent source for feedback and constructive criticism. It’s better to learn your weaknesses from your mentor now, who can set you on the path to fix a mistake or correct a bad habit, than to be blindsided by a colleague at your annual review.
Chances are your mentor has more experience, contacts and cachet than you do. As an advocate for your career, he or she can connect you to other people that will help your career grow. Whether you’re applying for your dream job or need a powerful endorsement to overcome friction in your current role, your mentor can leverage his or her network to help make it happen.
Don’t forget that it’s perfectly acceptable to have more than one mentor. While it can be attractive to pair up with people who have achieved exactly what you’re looking to do, it’s also an opportunity to connect with someone who’s an expert in a different aspect of your field. You can lean on your mentors to fill small gaps in your knowledge. This is especially handy if you have a multi-disciplinary idea or want to engage multiple departments in one project.
Take a moment and imagine your four best friends. Why do you love them? Do they help motivate you to ask out that cute guy or ask for that promotion at work? What about let you talk out your problems, introduce you to new people or teach you something new things? The right mentor is your four best friends is one – plus that #GirlBoss you’ve always admired.
Because if we’re going to change the bleak statistics of women in power and female millennials being hired, one fact is certain: We need to do it together.
