Mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways we invest in the people who carry out the University of California’s mission every day. Across UC, staff, faculty, and leaders contribute not only through their expertise, but through the relationships they build, the knowledge they share, and the support they offer one another.
At its core, mentorship reflects the values that define UC: collaboration, service, learning, innovation, and the belief that people thrive when they are connected to a supportive community. Whether formal or informal, mentorship helps strengthen our campuses and workplaces by fostering growth, encouraging reflection, promoting inclusivity and connection, and creating opportunities for people to learn from one another across roles, departments, and generations.
The Impact of Mentorship
For mentees, mentorship can provide guidance, confidence, and perspective. Participants in a UC mentorship program shared that the experience helped them build leadership presence, strengthen communication skills, navigate organizational culture, and gain confidence in advocating for themselves and their ideas. Others described feeling more connected to the institution and more aware of the impact of their work. One participant reflected, “I gained a greater appreciation of the value of my role, which has provided an increased sense of contentment in my work.”
Mentorship also benefits mentors themselves. Serving as a mentor offers an opportunity to give back, develop leadership and coaching skills, and gain new insights through meaningful conversations with colleagues. As one mentor shared, “I think I learned just as much from my mentee as she did from me!”
The impact of mentorship often extends beyond career development. Participants described mentorship as a space for honest dialogue, shared problem-solving, and professional encouragement. One mentee noted that conversations with their mentor helped them “look at my work through a different lens,” while another shared that the experience helped them “embrace myself more as a well-rounded person at work versus just seeing myself as a cog in a machine.”
Building a Culture of Shared Growth Across UC
Across the UC system, many campuses and locations offer mentorship opportunities through local Learning and Development programs and other professional development initiatives. Or, some learning programs may include mentorship or peer networking as a component. These programs create spaces where employees can connect, learn, and grow together while strengthening the collaborative culture that supports UC’s mission of education, research, public service, and patient care.
Mentorship does not require having all the answers. It begins with listening, sharing experiences, asking thoughtful questions, and being willing to support another person’s growth. It continues when mentees are willing to stay curious, reflect honestly, ask for guidance, and lean into moments of discomfort that often accompany growth and learning. And it concludes with a more connected, engaged, and supportive workplace culture that is always growing. Whether you are early in your career, exploring new leadership opportunities, or looking for ways to contribute to the development of others, mentorship can be a powerful way to build community and advance the work we do together at UC.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, explore the mentorship and professional development opportunities available through your local campus. Mentorship programs are structured differently at each campus and may be managed by Human Resources, Organizational Development, Talent Development, Staff Advisory Boards, or Staff Engagement teams. Start by contacting your campus Learning and Development department to learn what may be available. They can help direct you to the appropriate program or resources.
Author & Contact
Annie Prozan
Director, Talent and Organizational Development
UCOP Local Human Resources
About the Professional Growth Series
Our new Professional Growth series will explore topics such as mentorship, interviewing, career pathways, and learning and development opportunities, with a focus on helping employees grow, connect, and thrive across the UC system.
