Mentoring is often conceived of as occurring between individuals with different professional ranks.
Do you think it’s possible to be effectively mentored by a peer?
About Erin Thomas
Erin L. Thomas, Gender Diversity Specialist, works to develop systematic approaches for the representation, development and advancement of researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers at Argonne while engaging both female and male staff.
Dr. Thomas has a PhD in Social Psychology from Yale University, where she conducted research on race and gender perceptions in workplace, economic and social policy contexts. She also received bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and International Studies and a master’s of science from Yale.
Absolutely! Mentoring is about sharing knowledge and experience. Since everyone has a unique set, I think one can receive mentoring from someone at a later, earlier, or equal career stage including those on the same career path.
I do think so and I had what I experienced to be a very effective peer mentor relationship with someone for 4+ years in a prior job (not ANL). She and I discussed both the tactical elements of our jobs and our career aspirations and gave each other constructive feedback in both areas. We seemed to share the same drive to do well and to move up the career ladder so we were well suited to work together.
I found my peer mentor to be a great sounding board for ideas, especially any that were a bit “unorthodox” by our organization’s standard, and a good place to vent a frustration. We never allowed one another to wallow or be complacent, but rather acknowledged that frustrations are part of the journey and how you respond to them is what makes a real difference.
I found not only our relationship to be successful but I believe that each of us achieved greater career success because of the “behind the scenes” work we did with each other.