Beyond Mentors: How You Can Cultivate Sponsors Who Will Champion Your STEM Career

We often hear about mentors, those fantastic folks who guide us. But let's talk about another game-changer for your career, something I wish I'd understood earlier: sponsors. Have you ever seen someone seemingly leap ahead, getting those incredible recommendations and opportunities that appear out of nowhere? I've seen firsthand that it's often the magic of having strong sponsors in your corner.

For me, sponsors are champions who've seen your incredible work firsthand and are willing to advocate for you, even when you're not in the room. Think of them as your advocates with influence; they could be managers, team leads, PMs, or anyone who recognizes your value.

Looking back at my tech journey, I've been so lucky to connect with some incredible people, a few of whom I now consider sponsors. I remember not looking for a promotion or a new position. Still, a sponsor of mine, someone I'd consistently delivered strong results for, called me and said, "Hey, Fawn" there's an opening, and I put your name forward. I think you should consider it." Wow! It didn't guarantee anything, of course, but just knowing someone with influence believed in me enough to recommend me? That was huge – and it prompted me to apply immediately and find out as much as possible about the position. Having that sponsor almost always helps get you that interview. (We can dive into acing those interviews another time!) I recall feeling truly empowered to go for a position, knowing that even one person in high levels of management suggested I’d be a good person in that role. It opened my eyes to realizing the potential I knew was there but didn’t know others recognized it.

So, how can you find these fantastic sponsors? It's all about building genuine connections and showing your stuff. Here's what I've learned:

1. Think of Everyone as a Potential Mentor and Listen closely:

This advice might sound different, but hear me out. Approach everyone you work with, such as your colleagues and even people in other departments, with genuine curiosity. Ask them about their work, what excites them, and their challenges. For instance, if you're in a meeting and someone mentions a project you're not familiar with, ask them to tell you more about it. If you act like you know it all, why would they ever try to help you? But when you show that you're eager to learn and that you value their experience, it makes a real difference. People are more likely to support someone invested in learning and connecting.

2. Help Leaders Unravel Pain Points You Can Solve (or Want to Help Solve):

Helping solve pain points is where you can shine. Keep your ears open for key organizational leaders facing challenges that align with your skills or interests. If you are new in your role, really listen to your project lead. Is there anything extra you can take off their plate? For those with more experience, think about reaching out to leaders who are your boss's peers or even a level above (depending on your boss's style, you may want to run this idea by them first so they can be part of the planning). The combination gives you more visibility and exposure to the bigger picture. When I found a headache problem for a senior leader, I quickly realized that I knew all the colleagues they were struggling with and had good relationships with them. I started talking to those other colleagues to understand the situation better. Then, I proposed to my senior leader how we could bridge the gap between our organizations and technical challenges. They all accepted, and I took on an interim side assignment to address this project. I owned getting everything stood up and made a smooth transition for the other organization to run with the solution. It was a win-win for all, and I benefitted from the experience and the sponsorship that followed.

3. Even Just Showing Curiosity Can Open Doors:

At times, you may not have an immediate solution to someone's problem. However, don't underestimate the power of simply starting a conversation. Ask the person about their role and biggest challenges (related to your projects or areas where you have some influence). Showing genuine interest and a desire to understand can make them see you as genuinely helpful. People tend to remember those who show they care and think beyond their immediate tasks. This curiosity is a powerful tool in creating opportunities and building relationships that could lead to sponsorship.

Remember, finding sponsors isn't about playing a game. It's about building genuine, authentic relationships with people who see your value. By being curious, proactive in helping solve problems, and genuinely connecting with leaders, you can cultivate those incredible champions who will open doors and advocate for your growth in your STEM career. These relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding, making them all the more valuable in your career journey.

• What are your thoughts on sponsorship? Have you had any experiences with sponsors (good or bad)? Share in the comments!

• Who are some leaders in your organization whose work inspires you? Reach out and ask them about it this week!