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Jerry, you know we all need to do either one. None of us is perfect so needs mentoring, but knows more in certain areas so can give

In one instance, Women in Leadership at CSC just started a mentoring program. Folks volunteered to be either mentors or mentees or both. Program is new so not sure if it's ongoing or how that will work.

It's just about asking people. I don't think we need a formal program or anything. Just ask someone that you think you can learn from. That's what I've always done.

no simple answer no difficult one either :)

@khzellman we could even use social networks (c3, twitter, linkedin) to make contact w/mentors and mentees.

I've done that (via twitter and C3) and yes, it works

finding right people is the key... we always have challenges there

@ChrisFangmann cool. good to know. i'm trying it out now and wasn't sure if it was a good idea.

Also mentoring (in either direction) increases your network - which is another extremely valuable asset

With enlarged network and increase skill one keeps learning more about what we have and how we can improve - so: higher value also for customers and thus for the company itself in addition to the personal benefits

If you seek mentoring - don't be shy! There are many who are ready and willing to Mentor.

@FIERCE_Labs Yes - I know quite a few who reached out to others - including to our great Distinguished Engineers - and never were turned down

@khzellman I do think a formal program helps people who may be hesitant to do the outreach to senior techs and leaders. We can still OWN our development and be a bit shy about putting ourselves out there as a mentee or mentor, even--can't we :)

@heatherswall haha yes, absolutely we can.

@heatherswall I agree. Additionally: Where no formal program exists, I consider it a duty of everybody to offer mentoring when talking to someone and finding out there's a need or wish

Being apart of the #opensource community has helped me learn new techniques while establishing new connections. Highly recommend it.

@khzellman tell us about your open source ranking. could be a valuable resource for engaging in the community.

@khzellman Great endorsement. I've also made contributions that aren't technical per se, like reviewing the new #opensource course that will be in CSC University soon. I like the collaborative, open nature of the open source community. @Faisal_Siddiqi

@JerryAOverton OSSRank is a project where we attempt to rank open source projects within categories(e.g. JS frameworks) using metrics like Twitter follows and GitHub forks.

plus, i think that kind of participation makes for good learning reinforcement

and just don't forget: the more skills you have, the higher your value

@khzellman I've heard about OSSRank and didn't realize you were involved. Neat. How do you use the ranking?

The idea is that if someone wants to know what the best open source data analysis tool is, for example, then they can consult OSSRank to determine which projects are active, popular, and well supported.

@khzellman Makes sense. Sounds v useful!

Wesley, we all have our day (and partially the additional night) job - but your own future needs to be in your own best interest. Look at the community that crafted our Tech Transformation over the last 2 years - mainly night & weekend work - real fun

Want to learn in under 10 minutes a day? Watch this to learn how to navigate IT videos in CSC University! https://c3.csc.com/v... #csctechtalk

The new IDP tool is a great start to getting where you want to go. Use it to not only map out your development , but as the concrete plan for discussion with your manager. If you're working your plan and not getting the support you need, escalate!

Great suggestion from @ChrisFangmann, if you're not yet involved, check out the Tech Transformation: https://c3.csc.com/c... Use it to contribute to our transformation, to learn, to gain exposure and to get involved in new areas!

my profession is my hobby as well.. But its hard to keep current on hw/sw trends in relation to my current accounts when they are staying with win7 and older tech

It is, but maybe the new stuff you learn via IDP and e.g. Tech Transformation can help you (together with account team) to help the client to move over to #NextGen

Go for bite-sized learning opportunities. Little and often. Your manager has a duty to ensure enough time is carved out to support your training needs - this is a two-way "contract" between you. If you are not getting the help then escalate!

@DanHushon once told me: "I take one hour a day to learn something new" - yes - can confirm this works

@ChrisFangmann I think a lot of learning also happens on the job, organically, if you can't block an hour a day. Happens that way for me a lot, anyway. Good advice though!

Well said by you, David and Sankar.

great session! and very interesting perspectives shared by our #distinguishedengineers @sansvema and @d_rohret Well done!

I'd say this definitely goes hand in hand.

Certainly can. I always shaped my IDP to be data science oriented when I was consulting.

Yes, definitely.

I think so, and agree with @ChrisFangmann, it should go hand in hand. I'm using mine to force myself to make time to hone skills in new areas that I'd like to move towards--making it my concrete and published plan to get there.

Developing new skills can change how you see your role or change how you approach problems or tasks you are looking to solve.

@heatherswall do you find you managers are pretty receptive to this?

Nope

At least not enough - but we're working on it

@ChrisFangmann what are the major roadblocks right now?

mindset, old processes, too busy....it's up to us to show/explain/prove the value - and more and more get it and support

The new IDP push is driving me, so this is my first time, really, since my Master's of reaching outside my regular areas of expertise. I'm glad for the IDP push that's happening now, and I'm sure @hayley_smitty will be quite supportive!

Also keep telling the folks about the value through employee branding :-)

@heatherswall I need to get on this as well and you and @hayley_smitty are good encouragement!

all three... also getting inspired

@sansvema i like the 'inpsired' point. use them as a role model.

if you are not mentor by your mentor... find another

All of the above - but I also did mentor folks who could not express those, so I had to find out by just talking about their day, current project....

From what I've read, the mentee is supposed to drive the relationship, seeking guidance on broad issues rather than short-term goals. So ask advice on career advancement, education, work-life balance, etc.

Also help to navigate the org to best utilize their skills

@rherald ...yes, and to advocate for them once the connection is made.