Unlocking Growth: How Training and Mentorship Drive Career Success
03.12.25
Ciara Nowak, Training and Development Manager
Elisha Kessman, SVP, Workplace Experience
Unlocking Growth: How Training and Mentorship Drive Career Success
In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, continuous learning and career development have never been more critical. Employees crave growth, and organizations that invest in training and mentorship programs see tangible benefits in retention, engagement, and overall business success. At InVision, we recognize that growth isn’t just an individual ambition—it’s a shared priority. That’s why we dedicate time and resources to offer meaningful training, mentorship, and development opportunities, ensuring our teams have the support they need to thrive and advance. Because when individuals grow, teams excel, and clients win.
On a recent episode of the InVision Xcast podcast, Ciara Nowak, Training and Development Manager at InVision Communications, and SVP of Workplace Experience Elisha Kessman, explored how structured training and mentorship can shape careers and organizations alike.
Following are four key insights from their conversation:
1. The Business Case for Employee Development
Training is more than a checkbox exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. According to Gallup, companies that make strategic investments in employee development report 11% greater profitability and are twice as likely to retain employees. The 2024 Workplace Learning Report by LinkedIn further emphasizes that seven in ten employees feel more connected to their organization through learning, while eight in ten believe learning gives their work purpose.
Investing in training not only improves employee performance but also cultivates a thriving workplace culture. Employees equipped with the latest industry knowledge and skills are more confident, productive, and engaged in their roles.
2. Building an Effective Training Program
An effective training program must be intentional, well-structured, and adaptable. At InVision, training starts on day one with comprehensive onboarding and continues through self-paced courses, live training sessions, and hands-on shadowing. A few key best practices that we recommend include identifying learning preferences to tailor training methods, leveraging technology like learning management systems (LMS) for easy access to resources, and regularly gathering feedback to refine programs. Providing diverse learning opportunities—such as leadership training, presentation skills, technical expertise, and industry best practices—ensures employees have the tools they need to grow and succeed.
3. Mentorship & Career Growth
Mentorship is a powerful way to complement formal training, offering personalized guidance and support tailored to individual aspirations. At InVision, our mentorship program helps employees grow beyond their current roles while building meaningful connections across the company.
Unlike traditional buddy systems, our program pairs employees across different disciplines, encouraging cross-functional learning and fresh perspectives. Great mentorship isn’t just about expertise—it’s about finding the right fit, which is why we use a detailed matching process to create strong, value-driven pairings. Learning from professionals in different areas fosters innovation, builds confidence, and creates a culture of continuous growth where employees feel empowered to take charge of their careers.
4. Fostering a Learning Culture in Your Organization
Building a strong learning culture takes intention, but the benefits—both for employees and the business—are well worth the effort. Leaders set the tone by prioritizing their own growth and encouraging knowledge sharing through peer-led training, lunch-and-learns, and mentorship circles. Learning should be flexible and accessible, with virtual, on-demand, and in-person options to fit different needs. Recognizing employee growth reinforces a learning mindset, and structured mentorship programs with clear objectives and check-ins help ensure meaningful development. When learning is woven into company culture, it drives both individual and organizational success.
Through these best practices, we’ve seen firsthand at InVision how investing in training and mentorship strengthens our teams, fuels engagement, and drives long-term success. Creating a culture of continuous learning doesn’t just develop talent—it builds a future-ready workforce that’s empowered to grow, innovate, and thrive. And ultimately, when teams are equipped to expand their skills and push creative boundaries, our clients benefit, too—receiving work that is more strategic, innovative, and impactful.
If you’re looking to enhance your employee experience, contact info@iv.com to learn how InVision can help create a more engaged and empowered workforce.