wia mentorship

What is "WIA Mentorship"? (And How to Get the Most Out of It)

“WIA” stands for “What I’m Actually” – a movement encouraging professionals to share their authentic career journeys, including the struggles, pivots, and lessons learned along the way. WIA mentorship isn’t about finding someone at your dream destination; it’s about connecting with people actively building their careers, openly documenting their progress, and offering support to others doing the same.

Why This Matters (And Why Traditional Mentorship Falls Short)

Traditional mentorship often focuses on a one-way transfer of knowledge from an “expert” to a “mentee.” This can be valuable, but it’s often transactional – a single conversation or a series of booked sessions. WIA mentorship flips this. It’s about reciprocal learning, vulnerability, and building genuine relationships. It acknowledges that everyone is a work in progress, and the most valuable insights come from seeing someone navigate challenges in real-time. It’s about the process, not just the outcome.

3 Steps to Embrace WIA Mentorship Today:

1. Be Public With Your Journey: Start documenting your career progress – wins, losses, experiments – on a platform where others can learn from it. This could be short-form posts, longer-form articles, or even video updates.
2. Seek Out "Builders," Not Just "Achievers": Look for people who are openly sharing their learning process, not just showcasing their successes. Engage with their content and ask thoughtful questions.
3. Offer Value First: Don’t just ask for help. Share your own insights, offer feedback, and contribute to the community. Reciprocity is key.

Why Doing This With a Network is Powerful

Reading about WIA mentorship is a great start, but it’s no substitute for experiencing it within a supportive network. Simply posting into the void doesn’t guarantee meaningful connections or consistent guidance.

Menteo is built for this. We’ve moved beyond traditional networking and booking-only platforms to create a Growth Network where:

• Growth Threads provide a dedicated space to document your journey and receive real-time feedback.
• Mentorship Rooms offer structured 1:1 guidance from peers and experienced professionals, fostering deeper connections.
• Roadmaps curate learning paths aligned with your goals, providing a framework for growth.
• Communities connect you with like-minded individuals navigating similar challenges.

Menteo isn’t just about finding a mentor; it’s about building a supportive ecosystem around your growth. It’s about social mentorship – learning with others, not just from them.

Ready to connect with a mentor who’s actively building their career and willing to share their journey? Find mentors today.