In any industry, one of the best tools you can have in your toolbelt in terms of career growth is a great mentor. In the rental industry, a strong mentor is even more critical. That is especially true for females who still make up a significantly lower percentage of the workforce.
As a collective industry, we have made positive strides toward creating a more diverse workforce, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
For those of us who have had the privilege of a mentor (or, in my case, several of them), it's our job to keep that momentum going. As the new generation joins our organizations and begins making those positive impacts on the industry, the seasoned veterans have a responsibility to build them up and be a guiding force.
Mentoring is about career development and personal growth, both of which can have an immensely positive and ongoing impact throughout your career. So, how do we keep it going?
In a recent keynote, Jessica Graziano, executive vice president and chief financial officer at United Rentals, said, “We have made some inroads. And now those of us ‘on the inside’ have the power to accelerate the rate of change. Real change starts on the inside.”
United Rentals
Mentorship Programs: A Continued Commitment to Growth
Some organizations have official programs and have found great success. Check to see if your company has one and how to get involved – both as a mentee and a mentor. Mentorship programs rely on commitment from both sides of the coin: those who need guidance and those who want to share their lessons learned. The ultimate growth experience is transitioning from mentee to mentor, passing down successes and advice to bring up the newer generation of employees.
When asked about advice for young professionals in the industry, Sherry Phillips, United Rentals’ first female branch manager, said, "Find a good mentor that can propel your career or at least give you good advice. It doesn't have to be a woman; it can be a man, but just a good mentor that shares your career focus."
The value of a mentor in the early stages of a career is immeasurable. Still, there are other ways to establish meaningful and beneficial relationships outside of a mentorship program as well.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Employee Resource Groups: At United Rentals, we have employee resource groups (ERGs) to facilitate informal mentorship, networking and growth with like-minded employees. Women United was created to empower women in the rental industry and continues to accomplish that goal. But it goes beyond the walls of our branches and corporate offices.
United Rentals
Lean into groups like Women United or, better yet, start one if it doesn't exist.
Network, Network, Network: Within your team, office, organization and beyond. Start by asking questions and finding like-minded people with whom to connect. Often an unofficial mentor-like relationship can blossom from networking and provide dividends for years to come.
Connect Virtually: Today's technology makes it easier to connect with anyone, anywhere at any time. Long gone are the days of traveling to meet someone or connect on a meaningful level. Leverage the digital tools that enable those conversations and help facilitate relationships both near and far.
Christina Andrews, United Rentals
It is incredible to see so many successful women making positive impacts within organizations and communities. Companies like United Rentals foster that growth and encourage diversity so that percentage of women in the industry will hopefully continue to grow.
Christina Andrews, content marketing manager, has been with United Rentals for over six years, working primarily on customer communications and sharing the United Rentals story.
