Finding Your Professional Wing(wo)man: The Importance of Mentorship for Women in Business

Written by Anjeli de Blank (W’26); Edited by Khwaish Lakhiani (W’26)

For many young women in business, navigating male-dominated industries can be a challenging and isolating experience. Adjusting to new environments like moving to Penn or selecting a major can be exacting feats. Without a strong support system in place, it can be difficult to find the guidance and resources necessary to advance in one's educational and professional life. This is where mentorship comes in.

Mentoring is designed to help the mentee develop skills and advance further in their academic and career pursuits. For women in business, mentorship can be an especially valuable tool for breaking through the glass ceiling and achieving success.

When speaking to different women in executive positions, they have all suggested that women need a range of mentors from varying levels, each with different targeted areas for improvement. Building a strong and genuine relationship with your mentor can take you to newfound places and open up many novel opportunities. One study found that men apply for jobs when they meet 60% of hiring criteria, whilst women wait until they meet 100%. With mentors encouraging them to seek out new positions more aggressively, along with a variety of other mechanisms, including coaching and providing access to networking programs, young females can be successfully guided to reach their full potential. 

Mentors can share their own experiences, provide feedback on the mentee's work, and offer constructive criticism that helps the mentee grow and improve. This can be particularly helpful for women who may not have access to the same networks and resources as their male counterparts. Mentorship can also be a source of inspiration and motivation, you may even find a friend within your mentor! Personally, I thoroughly enjoy grabbing coffee with my mentors, sharing our restaurant recommendations and generally catching up on our lives and fruitful stories.

Of course, finding the right mentor can be a challenge. It's important to look for someone who has both experience and expertise in your field, as well as someone you feel comfortable working with. If you are committed to your own growth and development, the skills you can gain from these relationships are endless.

So where can you find a mentor?

Wharton Women (WW) provides a plethora of mentorship opportunities. From current undergraduate students, MBA students and even alumni, WW has formalized programs to match you with someone for a mutually beneficial partnership. Keep a lookout in your inboxes for these experiences you may be able to take advantage of! Furthermore, Penn offers a fantastic alumni network that you can discover on their official website, MyPenn. There is even a filter titled “Available for Mentorship” so you know they are willing to offer help if you contact them. 

In essence, mentorship is a valuable tool that all of us can benefit from. Whether it's finding guidance and advice or building up your professional network, a mentor can be an invaluable resource for you. With the right mentorship relationship, young women can achieve their goals and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders.