Shawmut Connect: How Mentorship Can Unlock Opportunities For Career Growth

As a 100% employee-owned company, our culture is built on relationships that empower people to grow and succeed.

That’s why we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for our employee-owners to grow, develop, and learn from one another through shared experience and connection.

Launching its seventh round earlier this month, our Shawmut Connect mentor program connects mentors and mentees across the business with a structured development plan, that provides a platform for an exchange of advice, solutions, and learning opportunities.

In honor of National Mentoring Month, some of our employee-owners shared their experiences and what they’ve gained from the program. From navigating technical challenges of their projects to growing their leadership skills and confidence, here’s what they said:

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the mentoring program?

“Do it! It is a great way to get advice on a wide range of topics, and as a mentor, it’s an opportunity to provide feedback and guidance to others, share lessons learned, or be a helpful ear to listen.” 

What motivated you to join the Shawmut Connect mentoring program?

“I participate to build deeper connections with folks beyond my day-to-day collaborators, offering a sounding board outside of their immediate team and sharing career advice based on my experience of wearing a number of different hats over the past two decades at Shawmut.” 

What does mentorship mean to you?

“Being a good listener and offering a different perspective. My mentor has helped me focus on my career in general and tackle specific challenges I was facing on my project, which helped me gain a different perspective on how to navigate these challenges.”

How has the program helped you grow in your career?

“It has helped me build and refine my leadership and soft skills as a construction manager. The mentors I have been matched with have been incredibly accomplished, offering advice for every situation—whether it’s a technical challenge or managing relationships with people.”

How has the program helped you grow in your career?

“It helped me gain perspective from experienced leaders and learn how to better navigate challenges both in the field and professionally. It reinforced the importance of communication, accountability, and continuous learning as I continue developing as a leader myself.”

What personal growth have you experienced as a result of being in the program?

“It helped me realize that I’m not alone in the challenges I experience, both personally and professionally. Being able to ask others about what they’ve been through has been incredibly reassuring and has helped normalize situations that once felt isolating. As a result, I’ve grown more comfortable being open, reflective, and honest about my goals and uncertainties.”