When designing a path toward launching successful careers, everyone could use a little guidance. Mentoring is an optimal tool for candidates to utilize on the career planning path.
Strong mentorship programs connect candidates with industry executives for a mutually enriching experience. Mentees learn how to develop their careers from a seasoned executive who teaches from a position of practical experience and proven success, forging an enriching bond across generations. Matches can be made on a regular basis, mostly connecting mentors and mentees, based on career/professional industries, roles, and goals.
A strong mentoring situation relies on active engagement from both the mentor and mentee. Here are a few basic recommendations to develop meaningful mentoring relationships:
- Good mentoring requires a good relationship. Get to know each other and understand that a good relationship takes times to develop.
- The mentor must share his undergraduate and post-college experience. The mentee must share how they are doing academically, how they are involved on campus, and what their career plans are.
- Get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Each of you must be specific on your goals of the relationship and time frame. Develop mutual objectives with written goals you review.
- Use your time efficiently. Follow an agenda that is prepared ahead of time.
- Mentors must provide specific, timely and honest feedback. Mentees must accept feedback without becoming defensive and be willing to use this feedback to improve.
- Provide feedback to each other so a regular basis to help the mentoring relationship work for both of you.
- If possible, continue this relationship after college.