Helping Mentees Navigate the World of Tech Careers
Mentor Katrina Phiri has organized mentee visits to Amazon which include panel discussions with colleagues. The trips help students understand the challenges and opportunities in tech.
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KATRINA PHIRI, HEAD OF STRATEGIC OPERATIONS – SALESFORCE SUCCESS CENTRAL AT AMAZON WEB SERVICES, ’17 MBA
On What Got Her into the Albers Mentor Program
I was first introduced to the Albers Mentor Program as a grad student pursuing the Professional MBA, where I was matched with an exceptional mentor in each of my two years at Seattle U. Having participated in this program as a mentee myself, I have firsthand experience as to how impactful the mentee-mentor relationship can be. As an international student at SU, I had to build new relationships and establish professional networks from the ground up when I moved to the USA from South Africa. The Mentor Program was a key accelerant in that journey, helping me connect with a diverse range of industry professionals as well as my peers within the mentee cohort.
I’m pleased to say that the relationships I forged with my mentors back in 2015-2017 continue to this day. In fact, I even had the incredible opportunity to work alongside my Albers mentor from my first year in the program when I accepted a role at Amazon. It was a truly transformative experience to evolve our relationship and continue to earn trust, growing from mentee and mentor to direct report and manager over the three years we worked together.
Another memorable interaction is encapsulated by one of my SU mentees, from my first ever mentee group, becoming a fellow Amazonian. After doing mock interviews together, diligently prepping for final round interviews, successfully getting through the loop, and graduating from the MBA program, my former mentee joined Amazon as a Senior Program Manager. Now, as colleagues, we occasionally catch up virtually or in person for coffee, and it’s been truly fulfilling to hear how she is thriving in her career journey.
Her Experience as a Mentor
One aspect I enjoy most about being a mentor is that I get to learn as much (if not more) from my mentees as (I hope) they learn from me. My mentees come from diverse countries and educational and professional backgrounds, which has offered a unique opportunity for me to broaden my own perspective.
Close Bonds
Katrina Phiri
I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside my Albers mentor from my first year in the program when I accepted a role at Amazon.
Head of Strategic Operations - Salesforce Success, Amazon Web Services
Mentee Visits to Amazon's Campus
I’ve particularly enjoyed organizing visits to the Amazon campus with my mentees. I’ve also and have extended the invite to other SU mentors and their mentees to join these visits. This outreach has created opportunities for my mentees to network with others participating in the Albers Mentor Program. It’s also enabled the mentors to network with each other.
During these campus visits, I like to organize a panel-style conversation and Q&A, where I also invite my colleagues to join and share their career journeys and experiences as they answer mentee questions. The inclusion of Amazon colleagues, who may or may not be Albers mentors, also expands the networking pool for mentees and mentors alike. In a recent visit to Amazon on 4/12/24, I partnered with other SU mentors from Amazon to welcome 14 SU mentees to our South Lake Union campus. Representing seven Albers Mentor groups, we had participation from both undergrad and grad students across a range of programs, including Business Analytics and Finance, MBA, MSAA, and MSBA.
What Students are Looking for in Mentorship
I take my cues from mentees as to the topics in which they’re seeking mentorship and focus our workshops on addressing those areas of interest in a way that is most relevant to each mentee. As a mentor, I strive to meet my mentees where they are in their journey, so I often meet with them 1:1 (in addition to our group meetings) to better understand how I can add value to help them achieve their professional goals.
Many of the students I’ve mentored are interested in either continuing a career in tech or transitioning into tech. So, the most requested mentorship topics tend to be about 1) interview prep for Program and/or Product Management roles in tech (full time or internship opportunities), 2) networking and personal branding, and 3) navigating a tight job market especially as an international student. Navigating the job market, in particular, has become increasingly challenging for mentees over the last two years, with seemingly fewer opportunities available and even fewer employers offering visa sponsorship.
Advice She’d Give Anyone Considering Being a Mentor
To anyone thinking about becoming a mentor, I’d recommend approaching this experience with a genuine desire to make a positive impact by sharing your valuable knowledge and expertise with mentees who are eager to learn from you. Seeing your mentees succeed, knowing you’ve been a small part of their journey, is a deeply rewarding experience for anyone serving in the role of mentor. I encourage you to take the leap!