Mentorship matters: A Q&A with Skanska employees during National Mentoring Month
Shaping communities starts with shaping one another. During National Mentoring Month, and throughout the year, Skanska employees participate in peer-to-peer knowledge sharing opportunities, prioritizing workforce development and investing in the next generation of industry professionals. Skanska teams of all types are shaping the industry they work in, one connection at a time. In this Q&A blog, our colleagues reflect on their experiences participating in and supporting programs with mentorship at the center.
Superintendent development program
Since 2021, Skanska USA Building has provided a pathway for current craft foremen and field engineers across the country to become assistant superintendents or superintendents through the Superintendent Development Program. Mentorship and training are hallmarks of the 15-month program where participants meet with mentors every month and navigate a curriculum that emphasizes growing both technical and soft skills. Through the development framework, participants are equipped in an accelerated way, to successfully step into a superintendent role in the future.
How has the Superintendent development program played a role in shaping your career?
Prahlad: Overall, the program is designed as a dynamic learning experience, focusing on realistic growth and exploration rather than traditional, points-based academia. I gained practical skills, explored new points of view and engaged in hands-on activities that aided in crafting my own “style” as a superintendent.
Through the mentorship component of the program specifically, I gained a deeper understanding of leadership in the field, learning from many seasoned superintendents who shared their experiences and best practices.
Radoslaw: The program’s flexibility pushed me to take ownership of my development, forcing me to problem-solve on the fly, adapt to new scenarios and truly immerse myself in every aspect of my project. It allowed me to explore my strengths while also addressing areas for improvement organically, with guidance from experienced mentors who understood the realities of construction.
Have there been any surprises throughout your mentorship journey?
Prahlad: The emotional and relational aspects of leadership. I initially focused on the logistical and operational challenges of being a superintendent, but my mentor highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience and the need to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
Another surprise was the depth of reflection required—many of the most valuable insights came from stepping back, evaluating my decisions and seeking feedback from others. This emphasis on self-awareness has reshaped how I approach my role in the field.
Do you have any advice for colleagues who might be interested in mentorship programs but are unsure where to start?
Radoslaw: Be proactive and lean into your own development. You are the best judge of how to develop yourself and acquire new skills in a way that works for you. Embrace the flexibility of the program; not every mentorship experience will be structured and the best lessons come from informal conversations, on-the-job problem solving or simply observing how your mentor handles different situations.
Skanska Women’s Network (SWN) national mentorship program
Skanska Women’s Network (SWN), established in 2013, works to promote and support a gender-inclusive culture. SWN’s national mentorship program is a cornerstone in their efforts to promote knowledge sharing and career growth through relationship building.
Since 2014, the program has engaged nearly 500 Skanska employees in a pathway that’s designed to foster greater gender parity across the business. Formal mentor-mentee pairings and informal networking opportunities offer a pathway for both men and women to connect with Skanska peers of varied backgrounds and levels of experience.
How has the SWN national mentorship program played a role in shaping your career?
Whitney: I’m new to the construction industry, so one of my overarching goals is to better understand the profession. I joined SWN's mentorship program as a mentee to learn more about it from someone with more experience.
I'm in a marketing role, and I got paired with a project manager who is knowledgeable and helps me understand what it's like to work in the field and manage a project day-to-day. It's been incredibly valuable to have someone to answer questions and make suggestions for activities and learning opportunities that will help me grow to better understand the profession.
Do you have a top takeaway or two from your mentoring experience?
Whitney: Consistency is key—staying connected and communicating regularly promotes higher levels of growth. Also, learning is a two-way street. Mentees can provide learning and growth opportunities for their mentors as well.
Meet more of SWN’s national mentorship program participants
Foresight visit
Through “Foresight visit,” employees working within Skanska’s Commercial Development (CD) business unit can participate in a two-week exchange-style learning and development program. Traditionally open to CD team members based in the U.S., Nordics and Europe, Foresight visit is a focused time for participants to explore a CD market outside of their home country. During the exchange, peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing, reminiscent of a mentorship experience, is a constant theme.
Do you have a top takeaway from your ‘Foresight visit’ experience?
Marta: Through my experience visiting Washington, D.C., I learned that our business practices vary significantly in many aspects. I've drawn conclusions from these differences to improve my work effectiveness. My Foresight visit also provided me with a broader perspective on potential collaboration methods with some clients in our local market that also have business in the U.S.
Despite the vast distances between us, we share many of the same problems and challenges, and that’s what brings us closer.
Do you have any advice for colleagues who might be interested in programs like this but are unsure where to start?
Marta: Make a plan to participate. Two weeks is not much time, but with proper planning and analysis, it’s enough to gain significant insights that will be useful in your work. I was lucky because I met great people on my trip who helped me understand their way of working and many other different subjects.
‘Foresight visit’ participants share their experience
SWN West mentorship program
Now in its fifth iteration, the SWN West mentorship program provides a pathway to mentorship and development for Skanska USA Civil West employees. From Seattle to Los Angeles, mentees—both men and women—are paired with mentors from a different office or project, or even type of role, to expand their understanding of what’s possible in the industry and at our company. The 2024-2025 iteration of the program has 42 participants from a variety of positions and experience levels within Skanska; 18 participants have been a mentor or mentee at least twice.
How has the SWN West mentorship program played a role in shaping your career?
Sunny: I’ve formed friendships with mentors who have led me in positive learning directions. I've also stepped out of my comfort zone knowing that I have the support of amazing peers that care about my goals.
Jae: It has given me the chance to be both guided by my mentor and help guide someone who’s eager to grow and succeed. It’s been rewarding to help them tackle challenges, work through solutions and take advantage of opportunities.
Do you have any advice for colleagues who might be interested in mentorship programs but are unsure where to start?
Sunny: Take advantage of the opportunity of the program and leap. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable about the things that you don’t know and ask as many questions as you can.
Jae: Come into the program with an open mind and a genuine interest in helping someone grow. Having a clear goal at the start can make a big difference in keeping the mentorship focused and productive, but it’s also important to be flexible as the relationship evolves. Mentoring can be just as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the mentee.
ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE)
Skanska has long partnered with ACE in its bold mission that has mentorship at the center. Since 1994, ACE has focused on creating environments for high school students to pursue careers in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, including skilled trades. Through its free program structure, ACE connects approximately 5,000 volunteer mentors—architects, construction managers, engineers, owners and trade employees from trusted firms—with high school students across the U.S. and Canada. Beyond mentorship, ACE regularly awards scholarships and fosters internship opportunities for participants.
How has the ACE Mentor Program played a role in shaping your career?
Lexa: Through many seasons of being a professional mentor for ACE, I’ve seen high schoolers find the construction industry, develop a passion for engineering and pursue training in the craft trades. Their enthusiasm and curiosity has been inspirational to me. Working with students has reignited my drive towards a brighter future in the construction industry. Talk about reverse mentorship!
Jamila: I got involved with ACE through SWN and I believe the goals of the program are important. I wasn’t aware of the architecture, construction, engineering and real estate development industry when I was in high school, so, it’s so important to inform students ahead of their college planning.
Rob: The ACE program has provided me with the opportunity to appreciate the impressive work that our industry accomplishes collectively. My involvement helped me further develop my presentation skills and my ability to boil down complex concepts to simple terms. It also gave me an outlet to connect with folks in Skanska as well as across the industry. All of this has helped reinforce that the heavy civil construction industry was the right choice for me.
Do you have any advice for colleagues who might be interested in mentorship programs but are unsure where to start?
Lexa: Thinking about being a mentor but have reservations about the time commitment? I’d recommend just signing up and trying out a program. If it’s the right fit for you, you’ll find the time. I look forward to ACE every week! It’s also an opportunity for networking with the other mentors—architects and engineers that I’ve ended up working with on projects.
Jamila: Go for it. I think it’s important to help grow our industry. It doesn’t take much effort to get involved and the process gives you an opportunity to talk about the thing you love to do.
Rob: Give it a try, and find out what ways your local ACE mentor team thinks you can get involved. There are lots of different ways to participate.