Find out which form of professional support is right for you! Grab a pen and take our quiz, designed to empower Black women to reflect on their current professional challenges and aspirations and determine which type of support—mentorship, coaching, or sponsorship—is best for their career journey.

1. What is your primary goal right now?

1. I want guidance on how to navigate my career and develop new skills.
2. I want to improve my performance in specific areas, like leadership or communication.
3. I want to advance within my organisation or get promoted.

2. Which of the following best describes your current situation?

1. I’m looking for general advice and direction on my career path.
2. I have specific goals and areas where I need to improve, like public speaking or time management.
3. I’ve already established myself, but I need someone to advocate for me and open doors at a senior level.

3. How do you prefer to receive support?

1. I prefer ongoing conversations with someone experienced who can give me general career advice.
2. I prefer working with someone who can challenge me to grow and help me set actionable goals.
3. I want someone who can support me by leveraging their influence and connecting me with new opportunities.

4. What do you find most challenging right now?

1. Understanding what direction I should take in my career.
2. Developing specific skills or overcoming particular challenges.
3. Getting recognised and advancing to higher positions within my organisation.

5. How would you describe your ideal relationship with a professional support figure?

1. I want an informal, long-term relationship where I can ask questions and get advice.
2. I want structured sessions that focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
3. I want someone who can advocate for me and help me rise to senior leadership.

6. How much time are you able to commit?

1. I prefer flexible, occasional meetings with no rigid schedule.
2. I can commit to regular, focused sessions to work on specific goals.
3. I want to spend time building a strong network with someone who can open career doors for me.

7. What are you most eager to improve?

1. I want general guidance on navigating my career as a Black woman.
2. I want to sharpen my skills and work on personal and professional development.
3. I want someone to advocate for my career progression and connect me with new opportunities.

8. Do you feel like you are currently being recognised for your contributions at work?

1. Not yet, but I need guidance on how to get there.
2. Somewhat, but I want to work on specific skills to improve my impact.
3. Yes, but I need an advocate to help me advance to the next level.

Results

Mostly A's – Mentorship is for you!

You’re seeking guidance, career advice, and support as you navigate your career path. A mentor can help provide insight into industry dynamics, share personal experiences, and offer advice on overcoming challenges unique to Black women in leadership. This informal relationship is perfect if you want a trusted advisor to help guide you on your professional journey. Consider joining NBWL’s mentoring programme, where you’ll be paired with experienced professionals dedicated to helping Black women excel. By connecting with a mentor, you’ll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and perspectives tailored to your journey. A trusted advisor who can help guide you towards your career goals while building your confidence and network.

Apply now to join our latest mentoring programme.

Mostly B's – Coaching is the right fit!

You’re ready to work on specific skills and achieve personal and professional goals. Coaching will provide you with focused, actionable steps to enhance your performance. Whether you’re working on leadership, communication, or personal growth, coaching will give you the tools to succeed. Through structured sessions, a coach will work with you to set measurable goals and build skills, giving you the tools you need to reach new heights in your career. Coaching is an opportunity to take control of your growth journey with focused support tailored specifically for you.

Apply now for our next coaching programme.

Mostly C's – Sponsorship is what you need!

You’re already making waves, but you need someone to champion your work and open doors. Sponsorship is about advocacy and visibility. With a sponsor’s influence, you’ll have access to higher-level opportunities and career advancement. This is the support you need to break through to senior leadership and build your network. To find a sponsor within your organisation, start by identifying senior leaders who value diversity and recognise potential in emerging talent. Seek opportunities to work on high-impact projects where you can demonstrate your strengths, and consider requesting brief, informational meetings with the leaders you identify to share your career goals. Building relationships with these leaders can help you find the advocacy you need to reach your next level.

For additional support, consider Women’s Resource Centre's Feminist Leadership training programme. This programme is ideal for women looking to develop their leadership potential for social change. It offers skills that can enhance your profile within your organisation and prepare you for high-impact sponsorship relationships. You’ll explore leadership strategies you can use to strengthen your role as a leader and attract sponsorship support.

Sign-up for Feminist Leadership Training