Mentorship

The WIM Mentorship Program provides professional development and leadership training to its members with the goal of driving a more diverse and inclusive group of individuals into decision-making roles to benefit our industry, the greater arts community, and the world at large.

  • Data

    Mentorship is cited as a major factor in success

    In the research we conducted with Berklee College of Music, women cited mentorship as key to success in the music industry. Our study found that 92% of women who had mentors said it helped their careers, but only 61% of respondents said they had been mentored.

    Overall, mentoring women were more likely to feel they were where they should be in their careers and expressed greater satisfaction with their jobs.

    Based on these findings, WIM is proud to launch its new Mentorship Program.

  • Philosophy

    When it comes to mentorship, we believe it is not just about those who have been in the business a long time supporting newcomers. Women in Music’s mentorship program pairs women of all career levels with mentors based on their needs in this particular moment in their careers. As such, our one-one cohorts are small and tailored, but our larger-scope mentorship programming reaches as many Women in Music members as possible.

  • Structure

    Our one-on-one Mentorship Program takes place during structured terms, each one focused on different areas of the industry - Artists and Songwriters, Producers and Engineers, Managers, Agents, Publishers, etc. By rotating the program in this way, we are able to engage more mentors and mentees - and we are also able to create specialized pairings that improve mentor and mentee experiences.

  • Platform

    Our tech partner platform both expedites mentor matching, and gives us control to make sure every match is a winning combination! Mentors and mentees both answer a series of questions at the start, and the app helps participants track their progress and share insights and reflections throughout the program. In this way, we hope to continue to evolve and further the program over time.

  • Mentor

    A WIM Mentor is a person with life experience and professional expertise in the music and cultural arts industry who can help Mentees identify and reach their professional and personal goals.

    A WIM Mentor has two important roles:

    • A career focused role in which the Mentor is a coach who helps to enhance the music industry career path of the Mentee.
    • The second is the support system role. This role is especially important for a WIM Mentor as our organization is focused on empowering women/non-binary persons in the music industry, supporting diversity.

    Mentors may also do the following:

    • Coach on relevant topics such as music, business and communication skills
    • Provide guidance on career paths and options
    • Act as a sounding board for Mentee issues
    • Provide constructive feedback
    • Create hands-on assignments, if applicable
    • Open one’s network and make introductions for Mentees, as appropriate

  • Mentee

    A WIM Mentee should be someone who has the desire to challenge themselves to set and reach professional and personal goals in the music industry. Mentees must be self-motivated, have high standards for self and work, and are curious and open to learning.

    Mentees should:

    • Take ownership for one’s profession and career development
    • View one’s Mentor as a source of advice and counsel
    • Be open to discussing one’s challenges and goals
    • Be receptive to feedback and coaching
    • Effectively use a Mentor’s time

    Roles & Requirements

    Please note: WIM Mentorship requirements may vary depending on each term’s focus and associated partnerships.

Become a Mentor