Mentoring Matters - Armanda and Christina
In 2015 UCSF Information Technology (IT) created the Technology Leadership Development Program (Tech LDP), a yearlong program that combines classroom learning with a one-to-one mentoring relationship aimed at fostering collaboration across IT areas, tying their work to UCSF’s mission, supporting high performers, and nurturing future leaders. It has been evolving ever since. “Before I was mentored, UCSF was just my job,” says program leader and Associate Director of Content Management and Communications Erik Wieland. “Mentoring helped me understand my role, how it fit into the mission, and what I could do to own my UCSF career. Becoming a mentor helped me connect at UCSF, share my experiences, and help others build their own careers. Of all the titles I've had at UCSF, mentor is by far my favorite.” We talked with Tech LDP co-chairs Technical Project Manager Armanda Edwards-Newman and Manager in Clinical Services Christina Bronsky about their mentoring journey and why mentorship matters.
Armanda’s Mentoring Journey
I started getting involved in Tech LDP as a mentee in the second cohort. I served as a committee member advocate for other mentees. I’ve also been a mentor for three years. Initially, I was uncertain about becoming a mentor because I’ve never been one before, but Erik encouraged me to sign up. I didn’t realize how much knowledge and experience I had to share until I became a mentor. I have worked in this field for more than 25 years, yet I didn’t understand my value – not just in work experience, but in life experience.
Mentorship is about becoming increasingly better as an employee, a co-worker and a leader. One of the most important things I can offer is the space to listen. One simple first step would be to take a leap. No matter where you are in your career, you can grow your human side. When do you stop being you? Never!
