For many people, 'community' can feel vague or inaccessible: something other people are part of, or something you join once you’re further along in your career. In reality, community is often where careers are shaped, confidence is built, and opportunities first appear.

In this session, we’ll share what different aspects of community can look like behind the scenes, drawing on personal experiences from across the Microsoft ecosystem. We’ll explore different ways people can get involved through organisations like The Mentoring Hub: from supporting, attending and contributing to events, to mentoring, being mentored, and supporting others through structured programmes such as Mentoring Rings.

We’ll focus in particular on mentoring as a powerful tool for career development. We’ll talk openly about why mentoring matters, the role it plays in growth and progression, and why men as allies can benefit from having mentors and becoming mentors themselves.

We’ll also demystify the different types of mentoring programmes: how they work, what to expect, and how to find the right opportunity depending on where you are in your career.

This session isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about understanding the options available, recognising the value of community in long‑term career development, and leaving with practical next steps for getting involved in a way that feels achievable, meaningful, and sustainable for you.

What attendees will take away:

* A clearer understanding of what “community” really means within the Microsoft ecosystem and why it matters at every career stage

* Insight into the different ways to get involved, including events, mentoring, volunteering, and leadership opportunities

* A practical overview of mentoring: how programmes work, what good mentoring relationships look like, and how to get started as a mentor or mentee

* An understanding of the impact mentoring can have on confidence, career progression, and personal development

* Awareness of available resources across the globe, including in-person and online support and other community initiatives

* Clear, realistic next steps attendees can take immediately after the session, regardless of experience or background.