Mentoring Breakfast: My Experience | by Obin Gold
As an introvert, networking is daunting. As a software engineer, all I’d like to do is code but building non-technical skills is just as important. Combining the two leaves me feeling like there’s a lot on my plate, sometimes too much. I was eager to critically assess the career path I had forged so far, which is why I attended the Strategies for Career Growth: Mentoring Breakfast event because it promised valuable tips and insights on using others' experiences to advance our own career and also the focus on reflection resonated with me. I wanted to see if I could resonate with other apprentices and facilitators in my challenges so far.
Walking into the swanky venue and hearing the bustling chatter of people made me nervous. But I was warmly greeted by two Multiverse members, who gave me enough breathing space to relax. They guided me to my table, and the facilitator welcomed me and briefed me on the current topic and agenda.
Each table had its own distinct questions, and the diversity of the attendees contributed to hearing different perspectives on each question. One such question was “What does career growth and personal development mean to you?” It was a moment where I realized I haven’t really defined what success means to me. Does it mean making more money? Being considered trustworthy? For me, I decided to be someone who can contribute to and support my team is an important value of being successful. To achieve this, I heard a variety of answers, such as believing in yourself, taking initiative, suggesting ideas, and asking questions. I also learned that hearing "no" is a learning opportunity.
Another key takeaway coming from the question, “Can you share a growth strategy that’s supported your development over the last year?” was to consider the needs of our fellow team members and managers, both inside and outside of work. Bringing back humanity and looking at people beyond their titles can foster genuine connections based on empathy and understanding.
Whilst it's important to keep developing, it's just as important to take time to reflect on both wins and losses. Seeking feedback on both is critical to keep ourselves feeling motivated so that we don't feel either lost or that we are not making enough progress.
In conclusion, I re-assessed the way in which I am critical of my journey. It's important to take time to reflect, and even more important to look back at both victory and loss to stay inspired. Moreover, the expression, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” from a facilitator has stuck with me. Networking can go beyond the workplace and building genuine connections based on empathy and understanding can make a big difference in our professional lives.
Obin Gold is in the Software Engineering programme and pursuing his apprenticeship at Holland & Barrett. He’s based in West London, UK.
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