SPONSEE ELIGIBILITY 

• You're a full-time employee
• You're based out of North America
• You've been at the Manager or Senior Manager level at Match Group for at least 2+ years

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Sponsee? Sponsees are high performers who actively engage with their Sponsor and represent their interests in a positive and professional manner, to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
  
• What is the difference between Sponsorship, Mentorship and Coaching? Sponsorship is a partnership where a sponsor promotes and advocates for a Sponsee’s career advancement. Mentorship is a partnership where a mentor provides guidance and advice to a mentee. Coaching is a process of helping individuals or teams achieve specific goals. For more detailed information about the difference between sponsorship, mentorship and coaching, click here.
• What's expected of me as a Sponsee? Sponsees are the "owners" and drivers of the Sponsorship connection, as the primary beneficiaries of the program. You will be building a mutually supportive relationship with your Sponsor over the course of 10 months. We ask that you dedicate at least 3-5 hours a month to this program which should include:
  • Meeting with your Sponsor 1-on-1 for at least 1 hour each month
  • Working with your Sponsor on your career development goals
  • Actively participating in the Sponsorship Program learning opportunities
• How long will the Sponsors be available? We ask our Sponsors to make commitments of at least ten months in order to ensure that the Sponsee is able to fully benefit from the relationship. If a Sponsor must leave the relationship early, we request at least one month's notice in order to search for a replacement Sponsor with similar background.
• How do I know if I am eligible to apply to be a Sponsee? If you are a full-time employee at the Manager or Senior manager level who has been with the company for at least 2 years, then you are eligible to apply to become a Sponsee.
• What should I do if my Sponsorship connection isn't going well? You will be matched with a Sponsor who has experience and skills that could be beneficial to you based on your role and function. If you have worked through efforts to address any possible issues with your Sponsor directly, and feel strongly that the match is not working, please reach out to a DEI program administrator as soon as possible. We will provide our full support to resolve the situation in a positive and satisfactory manner.
• What support is available if I need help? We encourage you to utilize Help Resources for tools and tips. Additionally, you may always contact a DEI program administrator at any time in which you need additional support.
  
  

SPONSEE DO's

1. Take a proactive role in shaping the relationship.
2. Understand what you want from the sponsoring relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your Sponsor. 
3. Set aside time for the Sponsoring process and keep all scheduled appointments with your Sponsor.
4. Put the time with your Sponsor to its best use. Come to your meetings with planned topics for discussion. Look for opportunities to add value to your sponsor’s goals or projects.
5. Be willing to hear—and act on—constructive feedback, especially difficult feedback about potential areas for improvement.
6. Respond in a timely manner to your Sponsor. E.g: Respond to emails from your Sponsor within two days of receipt.
7. Consistently meet and exceed performance expectations.
8. Communicate honestly and directly with your Sponsor about your expectations, goals, and any challenges you are facing.
9. View the relationship as reciprocal—be prepared to give back and pay it forward. Contribute with your unique combination of skills and talents.
10. Lead with a yes!

SPONSEE DON'Ts

1. Ask for advice on everything. Have a distinct purpose in each request.
2. Discuss things pertaining to the Sponsorship connection without first resolving them within the relationship.
3. Blame the Sponsor if their advice doesn't work out.
4. Expect the Sponsor to know all the answers.
5. Commit yourself to obligations you cannot keep.
6. Cancel meetings/visits with your Sponsor at the last minute.