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5 Tips to Accelerate Your (Design) Career
You’re the one in the passenger seat
Foster relationships today that may become sponsorships tomorrow
We’ve all heard about the value of sponsors. A sponsor is someone that advocates for you when you’re not in the room (as opposed to a mentor who can provide valuable advice but serves a different purpose).
However, most of the time, getting a sponsor is up to luck. Just as formalized, “mandated” mentorships seldom work, sponsorships need to grow organically as your relationship evolves.
Tip #1 — Maximize your luck in finding a sponsor by meeting diverse folks in your company and fostering real relationships. Be vulnerable (most important and difficult step!) and share your goals. Stay vigilant because your sponsor may not even be in your discipline. In fact, one my most treasured sponsors is a Product Manager! (I don’t hold it against him.)
A good sponsor will look beyond what you’re doing and into who you are. They’ll see the potential on who you can become and advocate to help get you there.
Tip #2 — Managers can make for great sponsors because they’ll often sit at the tables where you need the most advocacy. Interviewing for a new job can be the best time to assess whether your…
