The tech industry thrives on innovation, but that spark often needs a guiding hand. Mentors like Kristina Šuklevičienė, Project Team Manager at Intrum and a 2023 UX/UI Design mentor with Women Go Tech, play a crucial role in shaping the future. Kristina’s mentoring story isn’t just about her journey—it’s a testament to the transformative power of mentorship for both mentor and mentee. 

Overcoming Self-Doubt to Embrace Mentorship

Kristina was initially hesitant about becoming a mentor. This hesitation stemmed from a lack of formal certifications despite her decade of experience in IT projects. 

However, Women Go Tech, and a supportive colleague encouraged her to share her knowledge.

“I felt a responsibility to contribute to the growth of aspiring women in IT,” Kristina reflects, highlighting the value of real-world experience over formal qualifications. This sentiment resonates with many experienced professionals who might undervalue their practical knowledge.

Unexpected Rewards of Mentorship

Through mentorship, Kristina discovered three key takeaways:

• Mutual Learning: “It not only benefited my mentee but also reinforced my own understanding,” she shares, emphasizing the power of knowledge exchange. Mentorship is a two-way street where both parties learn and grow.
• The Power of Curiosity: Kristina underscores the importance of curiosity, which led her and her mentee to explore topics outside their initial scope. “Embracing curiosity became a key element in our mentorship,” she states. A curious mindset fosters deeper learning and discovery.
• Lifelong Learning: The experience solidified Kristina’s belief in continuous learning and adaptation, a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced tech industry.

The Journey, not the Destination

Kristina describes her favorite mentorship moment as the entire Journey, not a specific event. “The joy I felt seeing my mentee confidently declare her goal to become an IT project manager showcased the impact a mentor can have,” she reflects. Mentorship fosters growth and empowers mentees to pursue their ambitions.

Mentorship Essentials: Openness and Curiosity

For aspiring mentors, Kristina offers this advice: “Be open and stay curious together with your mentee.” Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about co-exploration and growth.

Kristina shares a success story—a mentee who started applying insights from their sessions to her current job. “Her confidence in using project management methods is promising. She’s already a true project manager,” Kristina observes. Mentorship translates to practical skills and empowers mentees to excel in their careers.

Kristina’s experience exemplifies the profound influence mentorship has on women in tech. It’s a collaborative journey of growth, challenges, and victories, built on the belief that everyone has something valuable to share and new horizons to discover together.

Take on the challenge of helping women transition to tech and grow professionally and personally. Become a mentor.