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The Power of Mentorship: Empowering Young People for Tomorrow
Mentorship is often seen through the lens of structured programs or curated career development plans. While these approaches have merit, they are just one piece of a much broader puzzle. True mentorship can take many forms, and sometimes, the most impactful guidance comes in informal, unexpected ways.
Beyond Formal Mentorship Programs
Formal mentoring schemes can be highly valuable, especially when tackling specific career challenges such as building a roadmap or navigating a significant transition. However, they aren’t the only way to empower young professionals. There is immense value in micro-mentorship, for instance, offering to proofread a LinkedIn post or helping someone practice their public speaking skills. These one-off interactions often require little time but can significantly boost someone’s confidence and career trajectory.
The Right Mentor Isn’t Always Your Line Manager
A common misconception is that mentorship should come from one’s direct manager. In reality, not all managers are well-suited for this role, nor do all environments support meaningful mentorship. In fast-paced startups or companies undergoing significant change, leaders may be too focused on immediate results to invest in long-term professional development. Setting a five-year plan in an organisation that may not exist in twelve months is often unrealistic. External mentors can offer fresh perspectives, especially without the constraints of internal workplace dynamics.
Mentorship Isn’t a One-Way Street
Mentorship doesn’t only have to be part of a top-down relationship. Some of the best insights come from those in junior positions. While seasoned professionals provide guidance, mentees can offer valuable insights, particularly in fast-evolving fields like AI and technology. A junior team member might share a cutting-edge tool or approach that an experienced leader wouldn’t have otherwise encountered. Respecting and learning from colleagues at all levels fosters an environment of shared growth, no matter your seniority.
Additionally, the most effective mentorship relationships are reciprocal. Beyond the satisfaction of helping others, it offers the mentor leadership experience and strengthens communication skills. Demonstrating teamwork and a growth mindset can set a candidate apart for hiring managers. While technical skills can be taught, qualities like proactivity and the right attitude are intrinsic and often make the biggest difference.
The Power of Paying It Forward
As a mentor with Product League, I’ve had the privilege of seeing mentees develop over time. One mentee, after a recent promotion, reached out to thank me for my support. Moments like these highlight the profound impact small gestures can have.
Yet, stepping into a mentorship role can feel daunting. When I first started, I questioned whether I had enough wisdom to share. But I soon realised that whilst everyone's situation is different there's usually transferable skills or relatable experiences that can be tapped into. So if you admire someone’s work or feel they could offer valuable advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. More often than not, people are happy to help when they see genuine interest along with a reasonable ask. Likewise, if you’ve benefited from mentorship, consider paying it forward.
Conclusion
By embracing different mentorship opportunities, we create a more supportive professional landscape. This is particularly relevant in the UK tech sector, where the demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply. It helps reduce the skills gap by helping emerging talent develop the expertise and confidence needed to thrive.
Mentorship is also a long-term investment. You may not always see immediate results, but the knowledge and connections gained can prove invaluable months or even years down the line. So whether you’re considering offering guidance or seeking it, take action today.
techUK’s TechTogether campaign, taking place throughout March, is a collection of activities highlighting the UK’s technology sector pursuit to shape a more equitable future. In 2025 we are exploring: Inclusive AI, investing in diverse founders and entrepreneurs, the power of allyship and mentorship, and empowering young people.
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Lisa Murkin
Lisa Murkin is a Lead Product Manager at Elsewhen, a digital product consultancy, with over 10 years of experience building digital products for B2B SaaS and B2C organisations, including roles at Accenture, Arcadia, and Photobox. Passionate about GenAI, Lisa is driven by the exploration of untapped problems and potential solutions. She believes Product Management is about bridging business goals with engineering capabilities, weaving user needs into every stage of development to create impactful products that resonate.