Mentoring is an important influence in our professional development from career development to skill development. Mentors are there to support and help mentees grow and reach their goal(s), which could range from helping new staff members settle into their position and navigating the university, networking, sharing knowledge, to enhancing skillsets.
Both the mentor and the mentee give and grow in the mentoring process. You, the mentee, can learn valuable knowledge from the mentor’s expertise and past experiences. You can also increase your competencies in specific areas or establish valuable connections with higher level employees.
Benefits
- Develop strengths and professional skills
- Clarify career goals and objectives
- Expand professional network and be exposed to new ideas
- Gain awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Increase awareness of organizational and network resources
- Enhance existing skillset and gain new skills
Mentee Expectations
- Commit to self development
- Assume responsibility for acquiring or improving skills and knowledge
- Discuss individual development planning with their mentor
- Be open and honest on their goals, expectations, challenges, and concerns
- Actively listen and ask questions
- Seek advice, opinion, feedback, and direction from their mentor
- Ask for and be open to constructive criticism/feedback
- Respect their mentor’s time and resources
- Stay accessible, committed, and engaged during the length of the program
- Comfortably able to give feedback to their mentor on what is working or not working in the mentoring relationship