Mentoring underrepresented workers in technology
The technology industry has a well-documented diversity problem. Despite increasing awareness and stated commitments to change, underrepresented groups—including women, people of color, Indigenous peoples, and others—continue to face significant barriers to entry and advancement in tech careers. At Symend, we believe that mentorship is a powerful tool for breaking down these barriers and creating more equitable opportunities.
Understanding the challenge
The lack of diversity in technology isn't just a pipeline problem—it's a complex issue involving access to education, unconscious bias, lack of role models, limited networks, and systemic barriers that accumulate throughout people's educational and professional journeys.
These statistics reflect lost potential—for individuals denied opportunities, for companies missing out on diverse perspectives and talent, and for society as technology increasingly shapes our world without input from all communities.
The power of mentorship
Mentorship can't solve systemic problems alone, but it's a critical component of creating pathways for underrepresented workers to enter and succeed in technology. Effective mentorship provides:
- Guidance and knowledge: Sharing technical skills, industry insights, and career advice that might not be accessible otherwise
- Network access: Introducing mentees to connections and opportunities that can accelerate their careers
- Advocacy: Speaking up for mentees' capabilities and potential in contexts where they might be overlooked
- Role modeling: Demonstrating that success in tech is possible for people from all backgrounds
- Confidence building: Providing encouragement and perspective during challenging moments
- Sponsorship: Actively creating opportunities and opening doors for career advancement
Symend's mentorship commitments
We've implemented several initiatives to support underrepresented workers in technology:
Formal mentorship program
We've established a structured program that pairs experienced Symend team members with individuals from underrepresented groups who are early in their tech careers or transitioning into technology roles. This program includes regular meetings, goal-setting, and accountability structures.
External partnerships
We partner with organizations focused on increasing diversity in tech, including coding bootcamps, university programs for underrepresented students, and community organizations supporting career transitions into technology.
Leadership commitment
Our executives and senior leaders actively participate in mentorship, both internally and through external programs. This demonstrates organizational commitment and provides mentees with high-level advocates.
Inclusive hiring practices
We've redesigned our hiring processes to reduce bias, expand our candidate pools, and ensure that diverse talent has fair opportunities to join Symend. This includes skills-based assessments, diverse interview panels, and partnerships with organizations that serve underrepresented communities.
What effective mentorship looks like
Based on our experience and feedback from mentors and mentees, several practices make mentorship particularly effective:
Listening first
Effective mentors spend more time listening than talking. Understanding mentees' goals, challenges, and perspectives is essential to providing relevant guidance.
Sharing authentically
Being honest about your own challenges, mistakes, and uncertainties makes you relatable and helps mentees understand that struggle is part of growth.
Making connections
One of the most valuable things mentors can do is introduce mentees to others in their network who can provide additional perspectives, opportunities, or support.
Setting clear expectations
Establishing mutual expectations about meeting frequency, communication methods, and goals creates structure that helps the relationship succeed.
Following through
Consistency and reliability matter. Showing up for scheduled meetings and following through on commitments demonstrates respect and builds trust.
Advocating actively
Good mentors don't just provide advice—they actively advocate for their mentees when opportunities arise and amplify their achievements to others.
Impact beyond individuals
While mentorship primarily benefits individual mentees, the impact extends much further:
- Organizational benefits: Companies with diverse teams demonstrate better innovation, decision-making, and financial performance
- Industry evolution: More diverse representation in tech leads to products and services that better serve all communities
- Ripple effects: Mentees who succeed often become mentors themselves, multiplying the impact over time
- Culture change: Visible commitment to mentorship signals organizational values and attracts diverse talent
- Community strengthening: Supporting local talent development contributes to stronger, more inclusive communities
Challenges and limitations
It's important to acknowledge that mentorship alone won't solve systemic diversity challenges in technology. We must also address:
- Bias in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation
- Pay equity and access to opportunities
- Workplace culture and inclusion
- Educational access and preparation
- Systemic barriers beyond any single company's control
Mentorship is one tool among many needed to create meaningful change. It's most effective when combined with comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across all aspects of how organizations operate.
Getting involved
For individuals interested in becoming mentors, several steps can help you get started:
- Reach out to organizations: Many nonprofits and community groups are eager to connect experienced professionals with people seeking mentorship
- Make yourself available: Let your network know you're interested in mentoring—opportunities often arise through personal connections
- Start within your company: Many organizations have formal or informal mentorship programs you can join
- Be intentional: Actively seek out opportunities to mentor people from backgrounds different than your own
- Invest time: Effective mentorship requires genuine commitment, not just occasional check-ins
Looking forward
Creating a more diverse and inclusive technology industry requires sustained effort across many dimensions. Mentorship represents one powerful way that individuals and organizations can contribute to meaningful change.
At Symend, we're committed to continuing to expand our mentorship efforts, learning from our experiences, and supporting the next generation of diverse technology leaders. We believe this isn't just the right thing to do—it makes us a better company and strengthens the entire technology ecosystem.
If you're interested in getting involved in mentorship, we encourage you to reach out to local organizations supporting underrepresented workers in technology. The time you invest can change someone's trajectory and contribute to a more equitable future for the entire industry.
