In the competitive and collaborative world of semiconductors, growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether you're navigating your first role or accelerating toward senior leadership, finding the right guidance is critical—but not always straightforward. This presentation shares insights from the lens of someone who has worked in both facilities and manufacturing, offering reflections on 150 personal conversations I've had across the semiconductor ecosystem. Output falls in into 3 main themes (Performance, Network building and Mentoring/Sponsoring). These dialogues—spanning operators, engineers, managers, and executives—helped shape a deeper understanding of how to identify the right mentor and build a network that supports personal and professional evolution. We’ll examine the often-overlooked distinction between mentorship and sponsorship. Mentors are the sounding boards—the ones who offer advice, perspective, and developmental feedback. Sponsors, on the other hand, are active advocates. They use their influence to open doors and put your name forward when opportunities arise. Many professionals unintentionally conflate the two, missing the chance to cultivate both roles intentionally. You’ll also be introduced to two unique networking archetypes observed across the industry. The "web" networker builds a matrix of lateral and cross-functional relationships, while the "ladder" networker relies on hierarchical pathways and sponsorship. Understanding these dynamics can help you decide how to grow your network with intentionality—and how to play both strategies at different points in your journey. This session will offer insight to the observed themes, practical guidance for starting mentor relationships, keeping them alive, and knowing when to move from informal dialogue to career-shaping sponsorship. It will also touch on how manufacturing and facilities professionals—often operating outside the spotlight—can cultivate visibility and influence through the right connections. Whether you’re an early-career professional looking for guidance, a mid-level manager looking to grow influence, or a seasoned leader aiming to support others, this talk will offer tools to help you navigate your own networking strategy. Walk in with curiosity. Walk out with a plan—and a clear sense of your own networking style. This session is designed to help participants not only identify potential mentors and sponsors but also uncover how they naturally connect, influence, and grow within the semiconductor community. — and maybe even the start of a new mentorship story.
