Women have undoubtedly made gains in terms of access to business careers. The female component of those entering M.B.A. classes nationwide has surpassed 40%, up from 10% in the 1970s. But in terms of being able to choose careers we want within these fields--as opposed to having to abandon professional goals for the sake of family--we still face major challenges.

In many cases, being guided--and groomed--by a mentor can help us balance work and family, as well as assist us in navigating through a male-dominated industry where acceptance from clients can be harder to come by. The good news is that more working women are tapping into the value of mentorship than ever before, seeking knowledge and guidance from both men and women who have the experience and motivation to advocate their careers.

A Push in the Right Direction
According to a recent CareerWomen.com survey, the majority of women in the workplace (62%) have a formal or informal mentor--someone who has influenced their personal and professional development and contributed to their career success. The study further reveals that male mentors help women by providing general business training, leadership opportunities, negotiation skills, coaching feedback and advice, as well as networking and advancement opportunities.

By contrast, if a mentor is female, the most essential contributions include informal fellowship, guidance within the firm, motivation and encouragement. They also help by sharing strategies for women's career success, work/life balance, job share, maternity leave, advice on overcoming gender bias in the workplace, and even style advice that male mentors may not be as able to effectively address.

The concept of a woman mentoring and building up someone to take her position when she moves on was a foreign concept until the last decade. Fortunately, we began to realize that focusing on the strengths of what we offer each other and using them to everyone's advantage was more productive and fulfilling. This is critical because young professionals in general need someone to connect the threads of knowledge required to succeed. They gain confidence from being taught correctly, and mentors possess the wherewithal to convey this knowledge.

According to Karel Murray, author of "Hitting Our Stride: Women, Work and What Matters," mentoring is a personalized and truthful interaction with other human beings for the betterment of all. "Advice is now given with a caring spirit rather than a destructive mindset, and it creates a new tone for success," she writes. "Rather than operating in an environment of isolation, we can talk about family and dreams. But then we have to take it a step further and hold each other accountable for making those dreams a reality."

Especially for women in the financial arena, the mentoring process lends itself to this accountability, and seeking it out can help manifest both balance and success in their personal and professional lives.

Kimberly Sterling is president of Orlando-based Resource Consulting Group, the largest fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm in Florida. She credits her accomplishments to her determination and the help of business mentors along the way.

 

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