Do you need a mentor or a sponsor to advance your career?

Both can be helpful at different times in your career. Sometimes having a mentor and a sponsor at the same time is useful, depending on your career goals.

Here is one woman's story of when she realized the difference:

A mentor is someone who

• usually works in the same field as you

• knows your strengths and weaknesses

• can help you articulate what you want from your career

• gives advice to help you build new job skills

A mentor isn't someone who

• uses their network to help you get your next promotion

• talks to others about how great you are as an employee

A sponsor is someone who

• is usually in a senior position at your company

• talks to others about how great you would be for that promotion you want

A sponsor isn't someone who

• will help you develop new skills personally or professionally

• cheerleads you as you move up in your career

Meet Carolina.

She has been working at a bank for five years and is almost done her MBA, but feels stagnant in her career.

Carolina:

• is torn between trying for a leadership position in her current department, applying in another department, or leaving the company altogether

• needs help weighing the pros and cons of each option

• would welcome someone putting in a good word for her with their network

When looking for a mentor and/or sponsor, keep in mind that:

• A mentor usually works in the same field as you.

• A mentor can help you develop your skillset.

• A sponsor is usually more experienced and has a large network.

• A sponsor can leverage their network to help you get your promotion.

To get started: