The Benefits of Mentoring: The Impact of Shared Experience

When done right, the benefits of mentoring apply to both sides of the equation. Mentoring and being mentored can boost the development of leadership and management skills for both parties, and mentorship can reduce the learning curve for proteges. What’s more, employees who are involved in mentorship are often the most engaged in growing their Northrop Grumman careers.

At its core, mentoring matters because it helps to bolster the three “E’s” of employee development: experience, exposure and education. Northrop Grumman also supports other development avenues, such as coaching and sponsorship, and offers self-service options within the Northrop Grumman Development Center.

Let’s break down each educational approach in more detail.

Mentors Empower …

The acquisition and development of critical skills.
The development and enhancement of staff networks.
The expansion of organizational knowledge.
The acceleration of readiness for new roles and expanded responsibilities.
The improvement of work performance.
The ability to navigate challenges.

In addition, mentors act as sounding boards for career path crossroads to help mentees find their best fit in the organization and set the stage for further development.

Coaches Can …

Create a safe environment for reflection and learning.
Encourage development, creativity and innovation.
Provide perspectives on goal-driven career objectives.
Offer relevant learning and development experience.
Develop opportunities for self-exploration.
Supply critical feedback.

Sponsors Support …

Networking within the organization based on your interests.
New career opportunities within the organization based on your capabilities.
Application of internal political and social capital to help move your career forward.

Making the Most of Mentorship

There’s no point in partnering with a mentor simply for the sake of it. Instead, it’s critical to create a mentorship map that prioritizes thoughtful, actionable objectives for the relationship. So, how do you know you’re ready for a mentor?

First, you need to develop clear career objectives. Then, you commit to that development through your mentoring relationship. Finally, you must be prepared for change by stretching boundaries and building relationships.

As you work with your mentor, it’s also important to proactively expand your professional network within the organization and externally. Put simply: Don’t hold back. Have critical discussions about strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential future career options. Ask for honest feedback — and be open to hearing it.

At its core, mentorship is designed to be a safe relationship with a partner experienced in successful approaches to business projects and challenges. Mentorships often include opportunities to receive technical guidance on current work — and that’s big a plus.

Rachel and Kim find time to discuss goals, experience and life at Northrop Grumman. — “Northrop Grumman is a large corporation, but it doesn’t feel that way. I’ve always felt a sense of camaraderie and have been able to build lasting relationships with my coworkers.” — Rachel, Contract Administrator, pictured having lunch with her mentor, Kim.

Mentoring at Northrop Grumman

Across the company, thousands of employees take part in Northrop Grumman programs to access the benefits of mentoring. But not everyone needs the same experience. To accommodate this diversity, we offer a number of mentorship opportunities.

Mentor1NG is a web-based mentor matching system open to all employees through the Northrop Grumman Development Center. Alternately, the company’s Navigator Program offers both global and veteran mentor matching. Employees interested in working abroad may choose to partner with volunteers with global business and culture experience, and newly hired veterans are paired with volunteers who help to smooth the transition from the military to new roles in the corporate world.

Operation IMPACT (Injured Military Pursuing Assisted Career Transition) is another enterprise program focused on assisting our servicemen and women. Volunteers provide career transition support to military service members who have been severely injured, as well as their families.

Meanwhile, recent graduates and new employees who join Northrop Grumman Acclimation Programs are formally paired with experienced mentors for professional development, education, networking opportunities, early guidance and support.

Northrop Grumman also works with American Corporate Partners. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping post-9/11 veterans find their next careers through one-on-one mentoring, networking and online career advice.

The bottom line: Shared experience drives success for everyone.

Discover Why Mentoring Matters at Northrop Grumman

Explore these articles, in which Northrop Grumman employees share their experiences as both mentors and mentees.

Why It’s Important to Find a Mentor

One of the best things an employee can do to stay on course is to find a mentor. At Northrop Grumman, valuable mentorships are encouraged through several programs.

The benefits of mentoring work in both directions

Mentoring Is a Joint Venture

Mentor Keith M. and Braden R. talk about their experiences on the Joint STARS (Surveillance Target Attack Radar System) program.

Diversity and mentorship go hand-in-hand.

Generational diversity opens doors wider so teams and projects benefit from a broad mix of thoughts and experiences.

We pair employees with experienced mentors that fit their goals and experience.

Mentors can make a huge difference in our lives. They help employees navigate the corporate world.

Mentorship is a journey, and it is different for everyone.

Once a student, then an engineer, now a mentor.

Providing mentors in STEM fields for those who wouldn't otherwise have one is a crucial part of our development programs.

Breaking Into STEM

Going into the STEM fields isn’t easy, especially without role models. Mentors can help, and Northrop Grumman has employees on both sides of that equation.