Women working in tech are high in demand. But how to be successful at an IT job? By learning from others, those with numerous experiences and connections. Whether you are starting a new job or have years of experience in tech, read about how a mentor can help you boost your IT career. 

Matej Krejci is a personal advisor, consultant, and therapist. He is the author of DigiDetox - a guide to digital minimalism, and a mentor in the Femme Palette mentoring program. He is based in Brno, where we meet over tea to discuss his experience with mentoring and why he asks people what makes them happy.

You’ve probably heard about our mentoring programs, what you might not know is that we specialize in mentoring for entrepreneurs. And what you might not have even realized is that this program is right just for you! Whether you want to take your company to the next level or turn your business idea into a reality, our mentors will help you develop your entrepreneurial mindset and share the tools and techniques you need to succeed. And if you are still unsure, we asked three participants to tell us more about their projects and why they joined the program. Maybe their story will inspire you to do the same.

Mentoring starts with you. Before you reach out to a mentor, first decide what you want to achieve and why. Knowing your goals will not only help you find the right mentor, but also make your mentoring experience more effective. The Femme Palette program helps you with the matching process, so you can focus on having a productive conversation with your mentor. Here is what you should keep in mind in your mentoring sessions.

One of the most valuable assets in your professional life is having an inspiring mentor. Mentoring is still seen as a powerful way of gaining valuable skills and getting ahead in your career. It has been proven by studies and surveys that effective mentoring benefits both the mentor and mentee in equal measure. While mentors can improve their leadership skills and get a fresher perspective on the industry, mentees can identify skill gaps, boost their confidence and get access to the mentor’s prized professional network.

We asked the professionals from our mentoring program what makes a good mentor. From having the relevant experience, asking the right questions and recognising the mentee’s strengths, to opening up and acknowledging the unique journey of the mentee. These are some of the traits that, according to Kristyna, Julia, Kvetka and Lucie, define a great career mentor. 

Mentoring is about building a relationship. This would presumably be done in person, however, as an ex-mentee Michaela confirms, a successful mentoring relationship can be built online, too. Michaela shares her experience with remote mentoring and gives useful tips to anyone who is considering getting a mentor. 

During the COVID-19 times, our Mentoring Program for women shifted its mentoring sessions online. That’s why our Mentoring Program Manager Kelly Stary put together some useful tips on how to make the remote mentoring relationship work.