At The Center For Women’s Leadership both undergraduate and MBA women students are paired with top local women business colleagues for a yearlong mentoring program.  What have we found? First, three cheers for women’s ability to hold meaningful conversations in all kinds of situations with colleagues from a variety of nationalities and business backgrounds. The culture of openness that this fosters allows our mentors and students to bond rapidly and move quickly to important topics, even in the first encounter.  Fluid integration has been particularly important this year as we incorporate new mentors through a partnership with The Boston Club. Secondly, the self-awareness these women bring to the program really helps them in the context of mentoring.  Much emphasis is placed on two-way mentoring.  Self-awareness helps each member of the pair share more and leads to students and mentors both giving and gaining more in the relationship.  Third, women are highly aware of their pasts and their futures. They think about implications and options and are willing to ask for feedback.  Lastly, women are clear that their careers will move in flexible and often surprising ways. While this is a driven bunch, their driven-ness is not at the expense of curiosity, questioning, playfulness and excitement. All in all this provides for lively discussion, a genuine interest in skills development and growth and a willingness to give honest and frank feedback to help others succeed. 

Submitted by: Julia dePeyster, Assistant Director, The Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson