I used to think that the terms mentorship and sponsorship were interchangeable. Both can do wonders for a career, but there are distinct differences between the two, and understanding that is important.
First, let’s define mentorship. It is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience, knowledge, and connections is able to pass along what they have learned to a more junior individual within a certain field.
Having a career mentor has many benefits! The mentorship can add significant value. Mentors can help you learn to navigate office politics. The relationship affords you a chance to learn firsthand from someone who has been successful in your field of interest. This person will coach you, providing advice along the way, giving insight into their own personal journey. You also reap the benefit of gaining access to their vast network of connections. Mentorship can help you level up, boost self-confidence, and identify potential opportunities.
What about sponsorship? Well in harmony with mentorship, a career sponsor is influential in that they share their work experience to teach you best practices. However the major difference is that this person will also “go to bat” for you! They will put themselves on the line to help you propel forward.
Typically a sponsor chooses the sponsee; not the other way around. They usually target and select a junior candidate whom they feel shows strong potential. The sponsor will then commit to grooming this person for advancement; willfully taking on great risk and expending their social and political capital in the sponsee’s behalf.
In closing, mentorship wont always result in career advancement. In fact, although a great resource to have, most will and can survive without a mentor. Understandably, as this relationship is accompanied by much less accountability. Securing sponsorship is far more critical. Having someone willing to assume risk and advocate for you is everything! It is extremely difficult advancing to more senior or executive level roles purely on merit alone. So if not a career goal already, add attracting a sponsor to the checklist!
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