What are effective ways to find a mentor of color in software development?

Finding a mentor of color in software development can be a rewarding and empowering experience, especially if you are a person of color yourself. A mentor can offer you guidance, feedback, support, and inspiration as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your career. However, finding a mentor of color can also be challenging, as they may be underrepresented, overworked, or inaccessible in your field or organization. In this article, we will explore some effective ways to find a mentor of color in software development, and how to build a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship with them.

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you start looking for a mentor of color, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and learn from the mentorship. Do you want to improve your technical skills, expand your network, advance your career, or explore new opportunities? Do you want to have a formal or informal mentorship, and how often do you want to communicate with your mentor? Do you want to have a mentor who shares your background, identity, or experiences, or do you want to learn from someone with a different perspective? Having a clear vision of your goals and needs will help you narrow down your search and communicate your expectations to potential mentors.

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Amr Gomaa .

Head of Engineering | Software Manager | Enterprise Architect | Digital Transformation | TOGAF®10 | KCNA | Azure (x7) | AWS (x5) | GCP (x2) | RPA (UiPath Certified)| Agile (PSM I, PSPO I) | PM/ITSM (PRINCE2 | ITIL)
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Here are some successful techniques to find a software development mentor of color: - Look within your firm or group. Ask colleagues, supervisors, or leaders of color for mentoring. Let them know you value their experience and advice. - Search LinkedIn for software developers of color in your city or at organizations you admire. Share your interests and ask if they can advise you. Take advantage of your networks. Contact current mentors, teachers, or colleagues to find mentors of color. Being proactive in finding mentors and articulating how their assistance would help you achieve your objectives and career is crucial. Many will mentor you if you continue and connect authentically.

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2 Research and reach out

Once you have identified your goals and needs, you can start researching and reaching out to potential mentors of color in software development. You can use various sources and platforms to find mentors, such as online communities, social media, blogs, podcasts, events, conferences, newsletters, or publications. You can also ask for referrals from your colleagues, friends, or other mentors. When you find someone who interests you, do some background research on their work, achievements, values, and interests. Then, send them a personalized and respectful message, introducing yourself, explaining why you are interested in their mentorship, and asking if they are open to a conversation. Be concise, polite, and specific, and avoid generic or spammy messages.

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Jose C.

Binary Wizard 💻🧙♂️| Computer Engineering Professional
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I have had success joining Latinx organizations such as Techqueria and LTXConnect. I have been able to network with wonderful professionals through events hosted by those groups.

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Shehzad Ali

Software Architect | Engineering Manager | Ruby on Rails | Top Voice
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Explore online communities and social platforms focused on diversity in tech. Attend events or webinars that highlight diverse voices. Ask around in your network for recommendations. When you spot someone you'd like to learn from, read up on their work. Approach them with a genuine, brief message explaining your admiration and interest in mentorship. Respect and clarity are essential.

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3 Establish rapport and trust

If a potential mentor agrees to talk to you, you need to establish rapport and trust with them. You can do this by expressing your appreciation, showing genuine interest, asking thoughtful questions, listening actively, and sharing your own insights and experiences. You can also find common ground, such as hobbies, passions, challenges, or goals. You want to create a positive impression and a connection with your potential mentor, but also be authentic and respectful. You don't want to come across as needy, demanding, or entitled. You also want to respect their time and boundaries, and follow up with them appropriately.

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Shehzad Ali

Software Architect | Engineering Manager | Ruby on Rails | Top Voice
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Building a bond with your mentor starts with being genuine. Share your true goals, listen actively to their advice, and show gratitude for their time. Remember, trust is a two-way street. By being reliable, like showing up on time and following through on action items, you show that you value the relationship.

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4 Define the terms and expectations

If you and your potential mentor decide to pursue a mentorship relationship, you need to define the terms and expectations of the mentorship. You need to discuss and agree on the scope, duration, frequency, mode, and objectives of the mentorship. You also need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party, and how you will measure and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the mentorship. You need to set realistic and achievable goals, and communicate them clearly and regularly. You also need to establish some ground rules and norms, such as confidentiality, feedback, accountability, and support. You want to have a structured and transparent mentorship, but also flexible and adaptable to changing needs and situations.

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Taha Moeini

Technical Program Manager & Software Engineer | Driving Project Excellence & Innovation | TechWhisper
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Consulting devoid of a clear purpose and structured approach serves little purpose, resulting in confusion for both the consultant and mentor. For instance, when faced with situation X, it's essential to respond in a manner represented by Y. However, if the condition X isn't well-defined and lacks clarity, the mentor may struggle to provide accurate guidance. Conversely, when your objectives aren't well-defined, you may develop unrealistic expectations from your mentor, leaving you unsatisfied despite their best efforts.

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5 Learn and grow

The most important part of the mentorship is to learn and grow from your mentor of color in software development. You need to be proactive, curious, and open-minded, and seek feedback, advice, and guidance from your mentor. You also need to be receptive, respectful, and appreciative, and act on the feedback, advice, and guidance you receive. You need to challenge yourself, take risks, and try new things, and share your successes and failures with your mentor. You also need to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving your skills, knowledge, and confidence. You want to have a productive and rewarding mentorship, but also enjoyable and fun.

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6 Give back and pay forward

The last part of the mentorship is to give back and pay forward. You need to show your gratitude and appreciation to your mentor of color in software development, and recognize their contribution and impact on your career and personal growth. You can do this by thanking them, giving them feedback, celebrating their achievements, or supporting their causes. You also need to pay forward the benefits and lessons you gained from the mentorship, and share them with others who may need them. You can do this by becoming a mentor yourself, mentoring someone of color in software development, or advocating for more diversity and inclusion in your field or organization. You want to have a lasting and meaningful mentorship, but also a positive and influential one.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Shehzad Ali

Software Architect | Engineering Manager | Ruby on Rails | Top Voice
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Mentorship is a mutual learning journey. Always approach it with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. Welcome feedback, adjusting your approach when needed. Establish a consistent communication rhythm, but be flexible when changes arise. Above all, value the relationship itself; it’s not just about advancing professionally but about fostering a bond that can guide you throughout your career.

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What are effective ways to find a mentor of color in software development?

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1 Identify your goals and needs

2 Research and reach out

3 Establish rapport and trust

4 Define the terms and expectations

5 Learn and grow

6 Give back and pay forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Development

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What are effective ways to find a mentor of color in software development?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals and needs

2 Research and reach out

3 Establish rapport and trust

4 Define the terms and expectations

5 Learn and grow

6 Give back and pay forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Development

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