December 2, 2025
The Boston Globe recently published an article featuring Monica Parker-James, Associate Dean for Industry Relations, Career Services, and Alumni Initiatives, discussing a growing concern about the decline of mentorship for young workers, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many early-career professionals feel isolated and unsupported as they try to develop core skills, with overworked supervisors, hybrid schedules, and organizational chaos limiting mentorship opportunities. Post-pandemic workplace shifts, digital interactions, and declining labor force participation among certain groups have further strained these connections.
Despite these challenges, mentorship remains essential for career growth, providing guidance, advocacy, and networking. Yet, while over 80% of Gen Z workers value mentorship, only about half currently have a mentor, highlighting the need for intentional programs to prepare young professionals for the evolving workplace.
Reflecting on these trends, Parker-James noted, “The pandemic has impacted students’ interpersonal skills and the ways people build relationships.”
Without intentional mentorship and support, young workers risk entering a workforce unprepared, making it critical for organizations to prioritize guidance, relationship-building, and career development in the post-pandemic era.
