19H - The Importance of Sponsorship in Career Advancement

Monday, March 20

3:15–4:15 p.m.

Mentorship and sponsorship are often seen as interchangeable roles, when they are actually different relationships. This seminar will focus on the distinct differences, and panelists will share personal experiences on how each played an important role in advancing their careers. The panel will specifically focus on the importance of sponsorship for advancing the careers of women and people of color.

McKinsey found that women who have networks and sponsors were more likely to be promoted and receive pay raises. Only 26% of Black women feel they have the sponsorship needed to advance their careers; 57% of women of color, however, were less likely to quit a job in the first year if they had a sponsor. Although members who participated in McKinsey surveys boasted above-average scores for representation of women in leadership, women of color were largely absent from the highest levels in their organizations.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the difference between mentorship and sponsorship.
• Learn how to identify mentors, sponsors and organizations that prioritize gender and racial equity.