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 mentor, have an opportunity to review your accomplishments and challenges, as a reminder of lessons learned. In sharing your expertise, you are leaving a legacy and guiding another one’s career path. This also gives you an opportunity to review and re-energize your personal career goals.
Benefits
- Enhance coaching and listening skills
- Develop or refine leadership style
- Gain understanding of barriers experienced by others
- Expand professional network and be exposed to new ideas
- Gain awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Appreciate your own expertise
Mentor Expectations
- Explain how the organization is structured
- Be respected as an experienced and successful professional in the organization
- Support the organization’s mission, vision, and goals
- Stay accessible, committed, and engaged during the length of the program
- Listen well
- Offer encouragement through genuine, positive reinforcement
- Be a positive role model
- Share “lessons learned” from their own experiences
- Be a resource and a sounding board