The Benefits of Mentoring: Sharing Knowledge and Experience

The benefits of mentoring are overwhelmingly positive for everyone involved. Mentoring and being mentored boost the development of leadership and management skills for both parties. Mentorship also reduces the learning curve for protègès.

Those engaged in mentorship are often the most engaged in growing their Northrop Grumman careers. With performance and collaboration at the core of our mission, helping the next generation succeed is part of every employee's responsibility.

Mentoring is one way for employees to build experience, exposure and education, three E's representing development. Other ways include coaching, sponsorship and navigator programs, and using resources within the Northrop Grumman Development Center. These can easily be comingled, so we define them by key outcomes.

Mentors help you …

Gain and develop critical skills.
Enhance networks.
Broaden organizational knowledge.
Accelerate readiness for new roles and expanded responsibilities.
Improve work performance.
Navigate challenges and be a sounding board for career path crossroads.

Coaches provide …

A safe environment for reflection and learning.
Encouragement for development, creativity and innovation.
Perspectives on ways to move forward with goals.
Relevant learning and development experience.
Opportunities for self-exploration.
Critical feedback.

Sponsors are people who …

Based on belief in your capabilities, interests and performance, apply internal political and social capital to move your career forward.

Working With a Mentor

There's little benefit in securing a mentor simply for the sake of having one. At Northrop Grumman, mentoring starts with important prework to create a thoughtful objective for the relationship.

You're ready for a mentor once you assess your career objectives and commit to development through your mentoring relationship. You need to be ready to stretch boundaries and build relationships.

As you work with your mentor, it's important to proactively expand your professional network within the organization and externally. 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.

Mentorship is designed to be a safe relationship with a partner who is 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 mentoring programs. Because we believe in the benefits of mentoring, we offer a number of different paths to mentorship. These are just a few examples of the types of programs available.

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

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.