by Lynne Williams, graduate faculty, Purdue Global School of Business and Information Technology

When most people think of mentoring, they tend to think of a senior figure who takes on someone in a junior role and wisely guides them.

However, because of the relative scarcity of senior-level women in many organizations, you might need to consider alternatives to the traditional model.

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While institutional support for mentoring is the ideal approach, if such support is lacking, there are still a variety of tactics available. Whether you’re in an academic, nonprofit, small business, or corporate setting, here are some ideas on how you can pursue mentorship opportunities:

1. The peer-as-mentor approach. Rather than looking for a mentor in a superior position, look around your circle of professional contacts at the peer level. These people may have better solutions to problems you’re facing, simply because they’re facing those same problems.
2. Challenge yourself with a different perspective. Consider partnering with someone from another discipline or background. Including elements of differences and unfamiliarity can help you weigh your strengths and weaknesses with a new lens.
3. Consider group mentoring. A mentoring group spreads the weight of responsibility — and provides access to a wider range of skill sets and experiences.
4. Reach out. If there isn’t a formal initiative available, you might be able to get things started by contacting women in your professional circle to let others know of their interest. The initiative may not exist simply because no one has yet to express interest.

This article is an offering of the Purdue Alumni Association in partnership with Purdue Global for the Purdue Women’s Network.

About the Author

Lynne Williams has taught IT courses for more than 20 years and joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as a full-time faculty member in 2007. She teaches graduate courses in IT with an emphasis on cybersecurity and oversees numerous innovations in curriculum, including modularized curriculum and competency-based programs. Her research has been published in a variety of journals and books and she has been cited for her expertise on cybersecurity and online privacy issues. Williams has a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, and a master’s and PhD from Capella University.