Mentors and Sponsors: The Game Changers You Need for Your Career

Rhea Horton
Feb 9
3 min read

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things—working hard, taking on extra projects, even getting great feedback—but still not moving up in your career? You might be missing a key relationship that makes all the difference.

The truth is, success isn’t just about what you know or even who you know—it’s about who knows YOU and advocates for you. That’s where mentors and sponsors come in. Both are valuable, but they play very different roles in your career journey. Knowing the difference (and how to get both) can be the game-changer you need.

Let’s dive in!

Mentor vs. Sponsor: What’s the Difference?

A Mentor gives advice. They guide you, help you navigate challenges, and offer insights from their own experience. You go to them for wisdom.

A Sponsor gives you opportunities. They don’t just advise you—they advocate for you when you’re not in the room. They say your name in front of decision-makers and actively push for your success. Think of it this way: A mentor helps you sharpen your skills. A sponsor helps you get the seat at the table where those skills can shine.

The Power of Sponsorship

I've seen it time and time again - when you have someone in power in your corner, it can change the trajectory for good. I've seen sponsors speak on the value of a talented team member which opened up doors for that team member to obtain promotions or stretch assignments to be ready for the next promotions. Without sponsorship, those talented team members would have been stuck in their same roles and likely become disengaged in their roles over time. Unfortunately, only 40% of employees reported having a mentor in the workplace and 23% report having a sponsor (Gallup, 2023). Considering that employees who report receiving mentor and sponsorship support for growth and development at work have a more positive employee experience, according to this same report. Considering this information, it is necessary to have both on your side for career advancement and satisfaction.

3 Steps to Get the Right People in Your Corner

Now that you know the difference, how do you actually secure mentors AND sponsors?

Find a Mentor for Guidance

A great mentor can be a game-changer in developing your skills, confidence, and career direction. Look within your company. Seek out senior leaders who have experience in areas you want to grow in. Join professional groups. Industry associations, LinkedIn groups, and alumni networks are goldmines for finding mentorship. Be specific in your ask. Instead of "Will you be my mentor?", say, "I admire how you’ve grown your career in [area]. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat about your journey?"

Pro Tip: The best mentorships happen organically. Start with informal conversations, and if there’s a connection, ask for ongoing guidance.

Secure a Sponsor for Career Growth

Sponsors aren’t just senior leaders—they are people who have the power to advocate for you. Here’s how to build that relationship:

Be visible. Speak up in meetings, share ideas, and take on projects that put you in front of decision-makers. Align with their goals. A sponsor will advocate for you when they see you adding value to the company’s mission. Ask for their support strategically. Try: “I’d love to take on a leadership role. If you hear of an opportunity, I’d appreciate your recommendation.”

Pro Tip: Unlike mentorship, sponsorship isn’t just about learning from them—it’s about showing them your value so they WANT to advocate for you.

Maintain & Nurture These Relationships

Follow up. Keep your mentors/sponsors updated on your progress—show them how their guidance has helped. Give before you ask. Can you support their initiatives? Share their insights? A two-way relationship strengthens the connection. Express gratitude. A simple “I appreciate your guidance” or “Thank you for recommending me” goes a long way.

Pro Tip: The best time to build these relationships is before you need them. Start now!

Which One Do YOU Need Right Now?

If you're stuck, ask yourself:

Do I need career guidance? → Find a mentor.
Do I need someone to advocate for me? → Find a sponsor.
Want to accelerate your growth? → Get both!