In 2023, ILLUME introduced a formal mentorship program to strengthen our dedication to creating a culture of connection, professional development, and ongoing improvement. In March, we shared the experiences of the mentees who participated in the program as part one of our blog series. This month, we spoke with the mentors from ILLUME’s Mentorship Program to share their firsthand insights and reflections.
At ILLUME, we believe in the power of mentorship to cultivate connections, support professional growth, and offer an opportunity for our team to build relationships and share knowledge. Our mentorship program creates a more inclusive workplace with opportunities for our team to learn and grow together.
Below, we share mentors’ candid reflections on the impact of the program, illustrating the profound value of participating in a mentorship program. Get ready to be inspired by their stories that reflect the strength of ILLUME’s culture.
Reflections from our Mentors about the Program
Question 1: Why did you decide to participate as a mentor in the mentorship program?
“I believe in the value and impact of a mentor. My mentors helped me get where I am, and I see mentoring others as a way to pay it forward.”
Question 2: What were the most rewarding aspects of being a mentor in this program?
“It was a nice reminder of where different team members might be in their lives and their relationship to work/career. That reminder helps to connect and support team members, but also can be a personally rewarding reflection of my path.”
“Getting to know other people at ILLUME that I typically do not work with. Being a remote company, fostering connections and trust is important. Also, the program allows for space to be our authentic selves, which is cool to see.”
Question 3: Did you encounter any unexpected challenges or obstacles while mentoring? If so, how did you overcome them?
“It’s easy to discount your career journey and it can be difficult to feel like you have the knowledge/perspective to be someone else’s mentor. Mentorship, especially in a model where mentors and mentees learn from each other mutually, is a good way to remind yourself that your journey is valid and that we all have things to learn, but there’s support and help along the way.“
Question 4: What did you learn about yourself in serving as a mentor?
“In my day-to-day work, it’s easy to forget (or skip reflecting on) how I got here, or how what felt like small decisions (or series of decisions) end up redirecting my path, or whether I’m making progress towards the goals that originally set me on this path. In some ways my narrative is simple (I wanted to have a beneficial impact on how humanity engages with nature, I was naturally inclined toward math and others), but there have been many steps along the path and different directions I could have gone. It’s also easy to forget why you get into an industry in the first place. Talking through my mentee’s thoughts and questions about her career (goal, trajectory, path) was a great reminder for me.“
Question 5: Looking back, what advice would you give to future mentors in this program to maximize their impact and effectiveness?
“Make some time for mentorship at different levels. I think it’s helpful to use some time to talk through day-to-day tasks (there’s not always time on project work to provide mentorship), but it’s also great to leave plenty of time for bigger picture conversations about what a career in our industry can look like and the longer-more-human arc of what a career can look like against someone’s personal goals.“
The mentorship experiences shared highlight the multifaceted value of being a mentor. It’s not just about imparting knowledge or guiding someone through their career; it’s also about building connections, fostering authenticity, and recognizing the validity of everyone’s journey.
At ILLUME, we are proud of our mentorship program and the positive impact it has on our team. Being a mentor is a rewarding experience that offers opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. We look forward to continuing to support our employees through mentorship and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
