Benefits of being a mentor in an AI mentorship program
We need more women in AI. At Women in AI we are bringing together ambitious and curious women with experienced and inspiring mentors. As a mentor, you can give guidance and support, share your knowledge, and help women learn and grow within the AI field.
We started the mentorship program to improve the diversity and inclusion in the market. Mentorship helps inspire future generations of women to pursue a career in STEM fields, but it can also drive economic growth. In this article we will talk about the advantages of being a mentor in AI.
Author: Ingrid van Heuven van Staereling.
The impact of mentoring
Mentoring gives experienced professionals the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with junior colleagues in the field. By being a mentor you are transferring skills, knowledge and experience from one generation of professionals to the next. This makes it easier for the market to evolve and helps make the most of the lessons learned. Experience from the previous generation of professionals is essential to rapidly evolve the technological landscape.
AI is a rapidly growing field on its own, and along comes a tremendous economic potential. When women are equally represented in this field we will be able to unlock the full potential of AI. Next to the general growth in the field of AI, mentors can create more chances for women to contribute to this growth. Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a permanent mark on the AI of today and the future.
Why we need female mentoring programs
Let’s break down those stereotypes! Female role models are very important, especially when we talk about the STEM field. Having more female role models can challenge the stereotypes there may be and help to break down barriers. Mentoring can build up the confidence of young women to further pursue a career or activity in AI. If we can demonstrate that women can ánd will be successful in these male-dominated fields, then we are paving the way for the future generations. You are able to lead your mentee(s) to personal growth and let them become better professionals and individuals. Mentoring can inspire young women to pursue their passion and overcome societal expectations.
Building confidence is important, but equally as important is finding more role models. Having more women in AI inspires and encourages future generations of women to pursue a career in this field. When women become commonplace in these types of markets, it can even contribute to closing the gender gap in all areas of society
Teach and learn as a tech mentor
As a mentor you might remember how hard it was for you to navigate through the tech industry. Getting your career going in a sustainable way is hard. Mentors can provide guidance at creating a career path. By sharing your own experiences and learnings you help to build their confidence. In addition to that you can guide new talents in building their resume, prepare them for interviews and introduce them to new opportunities. What most mentors also drive is learning. Working with mentees is a great way to gain new insights.
Mentors are able to gain new perspectives on the AI field through working with mentees. The new generation has a different view on the market and might have been able to dive in (or create) new technologies or industries. To be able to work with mentees, is being able to enhance your own skills. Enhance your skills about developments in the AI market, but also develop new leadership and communication skills. Mentoring is more than just sharing knowledge, it can be a chance to develop your own personal skills.
Creating a mentoring network
As a mentor you are able to help mentees expand their professional network by introducing them to colleagues or other industry professionals. You can bring them further in their career through your connections. This can lead to new opportunities for them. Women in AI is also a community of ambitious women that want to make a difference. Your fellow mentors are also passionate about AI and want to make a positive impact on society. Through the WAI network you can connect with these like minded people and expand your network. You can talk to them about mentoring, market developments and who knows.. it can maybe lead to new collaborations.
Mentoring is a great way to give back, share knowledge, learn and expand your network. Curious to know more about our mentorship program? Please check our website for more information and registration. Our first program will start at the end of May. Are you convinced about the advantages of being a mentor for Women in AI? Be quick, the deadline of joining our first program ends on May 15th!
