by: Marcy Bursac
I had previously been involved in a regional group and had a very positive experience being a mentee and then leading and expanding the mentor program. After changing sectors from telecommunications to cybersecurity, I decided to research women’s networks outside my company as a way to learn and grow. That’s how I found Women in Agile’s Mentorship program.
I remember applying and thinking, “I hope there will be a match for me.”
Finding the Right Match
I was so excited to receive the match email. I trusted whoever I was paired with would be the right person for me at the right time. We set up our first session, and to say it was the right person for me at the right time is exactly how our relationship turned out.
When I defined my specific goals of our time together, I wanted to focus on two specific needs: I was in the midst of riding out a company merger, and I was facing a challenging relationship with a work colleague.
Personalized Guidance and Support
My mentor invited me to be creative with how we could use our time together to best serve the specific needs of my current season. She was keenly aware of the fact that events would evolve daily for me and offered to be available more frequently and flexibly than in a once-a-month meeting (the commitment structure of the mentoring program). I embraced her generous and kind offer and benefited greatly from the just-in-time support over Zoom calls as well as texts and audio messages.
Thanks to my mentor and I connecting on LinkedIn, I quickly noticed my mentor had actually worked at the company I was merging into earlier in her career. Talk about insights! She was able to give me an insider’s view and inspire me with her own personal experience of how she grew her career at the company.
Cultural Insights and Professional Growth
One of the most significant aspects my mentor helped me with was understanding cultural differences, which are critical to interpersonal relationships with a global workforce. The reflection and coaching moments with my mentor helped me think through future interactions in a way that provided both an objective view of my changing work life and candid insights about different cultures.
The Impact of Mentorship
Having someone who had been in my shoes and understood the nuances of the company I was merging into has been invaluable. Her advice wasn’t just theoretical; it was grounded in real-world experience and specific to the challenges I was facing. This made our sessions incredibly impactful.
One particular instance that stands out was a challenging situation that occurred while I was traveling. I was trying to process how to navigate some feedback I had been given. She emphasized the importance of basing my reaction and mindset on facts and focusing on being empathetic.
Building Confidence and Expanding Networks
Through our sessions, I gained not only practical advice but also a boost in confidence. My mentor’s encouragement and belief in my abilities helped me navigate the merger with an honest and optimistic outlook. She also introduced me to others in her network, which included professionals who provided additional insights and support.
One of the best pieces of advice I received was about thinking through the various directions in which I could grow. This vision has been so timely as it has allowed me to see beyond the immediate changes and focus on long-term growth.
Application to Real Life
The mentorship experience also allowed me to observe how to navigate the ever-changing tech and business landscapes in real-time. My mentor had been impacted by a layoff, and during our meetings, she shared her outlook and approach to handling the situation, as well as strategies for exploring roles both inside and outside her current company. Her insights on staying adaptable and proactive were invaluable, showing me the importance of resilience and flexibility in my career.
A Lasting Connection
Our relationship went beyond just professional guidance; it became a genuine friendship. We celebrated each other’s successes, provided support during tough times, and stayed connected even after the formal mentorship period ended. This lasting connection has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey with Women in Agile.
Encouraging Others to Take the Leap
If you’re thinking, “I hope there will be a match for me,” I hope you will trust the process and apply. The Women in Agile Mentorship program is more than just a matching service; it’s a transformative experience that can provide you with the guidance, support, and network you need to navigate your career successfully.
I encourage anyone considering this program to take the leap. You never know how impactful a mentor can be until you experience it yourself. Trust the process, define your goals, and be open to the incredible journey ahead.
About the Author
Marcy Bursac makes the world a better place through her profession in cybersecurity and her passion for finding permanent families for the 113,000 children in the U.S. foster care system (forgottenadoptionoption.com).
