INDUSTRY
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
The mantle of mentorship Tips for managing and optimizing mentor/mentee relationships
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rom big picture career path counsel to help with job-specific tasks and strategies, mentorship is critical to success in every business sector. It’s a tool that every professional
should have in their toolbox—whether as mentor or as mentee.
Krystal Vasquez and John Catanese, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company.
As a mentor, it’s rewarding and uplifting to provide guidance in terms of what’s realistic and what’s not while, as a mentee, it can help with overcoming self-doubt to help you see the forest through the trees.
Finding the Right Mentor
When trying to identify the right person for you, look for someone whose experience aligns with your strengths as well as your weaknesses. The guidance you receive can be critical in terms of shining a light on what’s realistic and what’s not as your career progresses. Seeking out and finding the right mentor is important and I’ve found there are
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three types of mentors who can help navigate a variety of career challenges while supporting and defining your career objectives: Natural mentors are the people in your life that you never officially asked to be a “mentor.” Perhaps they are a colleague, manager or friend. In my case, a personal friend who also is in the commercial construction and renovation industry, is always available for a check-in. She has helped me to better understand how to promote myself with humility and how to identify—and capitalize on—opportunities for growth. It is in her nature to be helpful and supportive.
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — ISSUE 1, 2024
By Krystal Vasquez
Assigned mentors are matches that can be uncovered via networking and industry organizations based on career path, strengths and weaknesses and topics of interest. Find local chambers of commerce, trade groups and mentoring programs in your field or geographic location. I have been successful in finding mentors who have followed similar career paths and been paired with professionals who align with my strengths and weaknesses. Leaders within your company often are excellent resources for mentorship specific to your professional growth within your organization. I have worked with John Catanese, Senior VP at Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company, for 14 years and, directly or indirectly, his support has been invaluable in terms of his knowledge of the industry, his willingness to be a “coach” and his incredible commitment to supporting his team. He has always encouraged me to explore new roles within the company and spread my wings, making a concerted effort to introduce me to everyone in the room and sharing his expertise to further my growth. I aspire to do the same for others through my career. I have learned that the right mentor should be someone you respect for their work, their ethos, and/or their personality and someone with whom you are comfortable talking about both the good and the bad things happening along your career path. But, it’s up to you to identify committees, networking groups and professional organizations that can be useful to you as a mentor or mentee.
Maximizing Mentorship
One of the best ways to maximize this relationship is to always be respectful of your mentor’s time. Whether your mentor is a