Thursday 10th August 2017
Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool. It is an effective way of helping people to progress in their careers and is becoming increasing popular as its potential is realized. It is a partnership between two people (mentor and mentee) normally working in a similar field or sharing similar experiences. It is a helpful relationship based upon mutual trust and respect
The mentor is there to give, advice, guidance and help the mentee to resource and share on the format and goals of a specific mentoring relationship. A mentor may share with a mentee (or protege) information about their own career paths, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources. The mentors role may change as the needs of the mentee change. Some mentoring relationships are part of structured programs that have specific expectations and guidelines: others are more informal.
A good mentoring relationship provides employees as well as interns with someone that will share their professional knowledge and expertise in the field. A good mentor is available to answer any questions relevant to the job. Good mentor-mentee relationships are a two-way street; consequently, if you want a good relationship with your mentor, become a good mentee. This requires a genuine interest in your mentor and a willingness to do what it takes to become successful as an intern or employee in the field. Following suggestions and recommendations as well as reading all pertinent literature available in the field is an effective way to show your mentor that you are committed to being successful and that you take your career and responsibilities seriously.