Mentoring is often viewed as a formal process with a hierarchical relationship. While this traditional model of mentoring has its benefits, it comes with significant limitations. Reciprocal or informal mentoring is an alternative to traditional mentoring, and one that offers benefits to all involved and alleviates some of the limitations of traditional mentoring. Highlighting research from two independent studies that examined career development of professional women, this session will discuss the importance or impact of having a community of support on one's personal and professional development. Through discussion, participants will learn how to create and foster reciprocal, innovative mentoring relationships for themselves and those they work with to ignite career development.
