As record numbers of women join the ranks of the public policy field, the role that networking and mentorship play in career development is growing. On March 9th, Leadership Connect and the National Governors Association hosted a panel of dynamic women leaders in public policy from the Louisiana Governor’s Office, McKinsey & Company, and the Department of Commerce. They discussed the progress that’s been made, the impact women have on the field, and insights into how women and organizations can thrive through representation.
Here are the key takeaways:
Takeaway 1
How women can harness the value of networking and community.
It is important for women to surround themselves with a community of like-minded and value-driven people who can help them reach new heights. As entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn once said, “Your network is your net worth.”
Recommendations for Women in Policy to Form Community:
- Find people who are on a similar career journey.
- Remember that you can use your current community to forge new connections. Everyone knows someone and it is important to leverage that.
- Understand that networking and relationship building takes time. Strong professional relationships do not happen overnight.
We can help you get started
Find alumni in senior policy roles to reach out to. With Leadership Connect’s people information data, you can use what you have in common to start the conversation.
We can help you get warm introductions from your existing relationships.
Takeaway 2
Recognize the importance of mentorship: “Each one, Teach one”
Finding mentorship has immeasurable impacts on the careers of women in policy. Our panelists spoke of the value their mentors provided to them along their career journeys. The African proverb, “Each one, Teach one” is a saying to live by.
Recommendations for Women in Policy to Find and Become Mentors:
- No matter the stage of your career, having a mentor who has been in your shoes is invaluable. Whether they are an alum of your university or a former work colleague, a mentor can provide the advice and perspective that you will need to succeed. Leadership Connect’s relationship mapping data can help you to find a mentor you can relate to and trust.
- It is also important to pay it forward. Become a mentor for someone else who may be at the beginning of their career. There is so much you can learn from helping others.
- Encourage your peers and network to do the same. We all offer different experiences and skills that are best suited for different types of mentors and mentees.
We can help you get started
Use Leadership Connect to leverage people you already know to tap into their relationships.
Our stakeholder map algorithmically displays who knows who.
Missed the discussion? View the panel here.
