Mentorship
What is a Mentorship?
Mentoring, from the Greek term for "enduring," is generally understood as a supportive, guiding relationship designed to promote intentional learning. The objective is to ensure that the student has a meaningful career experience through the development of a one-on-one relationship with someone they can regard as a coach, teacher, or friend.
The professional mentor will provide the student with information, knowledge and experience in his/her area of expertise. The mentor can provide this by lending motivational support, encouraging professional behavior, listening and giving feedback to students, but most importantly, by setting a positive and inspirational example.
Why should I have a mentor?
- To provide a practical knowledge base and give interested students an opportunity to meet and develop a relationship with a professional who can offer his/her expertise in a selected occupation.
- To allow students to gain a better understanding of how their educational experiences relate to their career choices.
- To provide students with a chance to examine the pros and cons of a profession, understand the required qualifications, skills, strengths and attributes needed to be successful within a targeted profession and develop a realistic approach to the profession through work site observation
Where do I start?
Connecting to a Mentor is a solid career move and speaks well of your initiative and willingness to travel beyond your "comfort zone" in order to go after what it is you hope to professionally achieve.
Who arranges the Mentorship Experience?
- Personal referral is the most effective. Have a mutual acquaintance be the bridge for your contact.
- The Career Connections staff can also assist in arranging a mentor. Students can indicate the field of study they would like connections with.
- Prior experience such as informational interviews, job shadows, or internships may lead to a mentor relationship.
To maximize the experience, accept that mentoring is a two-way street. Be willing to talk, listen and learn. Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your professional development. The mentor will only do what he/she can to aid in your growth.
Just as the mentor is willing to share his/her time and experiences with you, share your stories, educational and professional goals, too. Mentors want to know about you. Before meeting with your mentor for the first time, think about your goals and objectives so your mentor can offer his/her best advice.