The Hidden Power of Mentorship: Insights from TechGig’s Survey on Career Growth

Mentorship is often seen as a critical factor in shaping one’s career, especially in the fast-paced world of technology. Recently, TechGig conducted a mentorship survey to determine if having a mentor significantly influences career growth for tech professionals. The survey received an overwhelming response, revealing some fascinating insights into the role of mentorship in techies' lives.

Surprisingly, 55% of the respondents stated that they did not have a mentor who guided them through their career journey. On the other hand, 45% agreed that mentorship had indeed helped them navigate their professional paths more easily.

Reservations about having a mentor:

One of the respondents, Dushayanth has provided a thought-provoking response on the complexities of mentorship. He raised several personal concerns about mentorship, such as:

"Am I ready for mentorship, or am I not fully formed yet?"

"Can I handle feedback and corrections with my fragile ego?"

"What if I don't follow my mentor's advice and lose their support?"

"Should I wait until I am stronger before seeking mentorship?"

"Can a single mentor truly understand all the influences in my life?"

"Will focusing on a mentor's specialisation throw the rest of my life out of balance?"

"Can I trust someone enough to show my vulnerabilities?"

These concerns highlight that while mentorship has clear benefits, some individuals hesitate due to these internal reservations. It’s a reminder that, in some cases, the perceived downsides might outweigh the advantages of seeking a mentor.

Are you looking for a mentor early on?

Our survey also revealed that finding a mentor early in one's career is essential, with more than 40% of tech professionals stating they had mentors during the early stages of their journey. This is often when individuals seek guidance on how to shape their future.

One respondent, Dhaval Kumar, shared valuable advice: "Choose an unbiased mentor, do your fact-checking, conduct quick analyses, and weigh the costs and benefits before proceeding."

Meeting regularly with mentors is equally essential, as 53% of the respondents said they meet their mentors frequently. During these meetings, discussions often focus on industry trends, career goals, and personal challenges.

The benefits of mentorship: The real question is: what do techies gain from mentorship?

An impressive 86.67% of respondents cited problem-solving as the main benefit of their mentoring relationships. Additionally, 66% said they acquired leadership qualities and expanded their networks. These benefits have helped 80% of tech professionals achieve their goals more quickly.

However, like all relationships, mentorship comes with its challenges. Around 40% of respondents admitted facing difficulties in their mentor-mentee relationships. To address this, many techies believe mentors should adopt formal and informal communication styles to create a comfortable and productive dynamic.

Mentorship: A strategy for mutual growth

Mentorship is invaluable for both the mentee and the mentor, fostering mutual growth and development. Reflecting on progress regularly, setting actionable goals, and maintaining open communication is important. This approach ensures both parties remain aligned and maximises the mentorship's impact. - Opakunle Abdulqadir Olawale from Nigeria

The road ahead...

While the majority of techies who participated in the survey may not have mentors, 80% of them would recommend having one to others. This paradox suggests that even if they haven’t experienced it themselves, they understand the potential value of mentorship in the tech industry.

Additionally, 78% of respondents believe it’s beneficial to have more than one mentor, indicating that multiple perspectives can guide a person’s career more effectively.

In the end, mentorship doesn’t have to come at the very beginning of your career. Some find mentors during their school years, others while studying at university, and many during their professional lives. Regardless of when or how it happens, having a mentor can indeed be a game-changer in a techie’s career.