As someone that has been on the giving and receiving end of mentorship, I think that when done right, the results can be incredibly rewarding for both participants. If you are a job seeker that is looking to transition in your career, grow in your current role, or just unsure of what is next for you, mentorship is a great path to clarity.
Since every organization with a formal mentorship program operates in their own unique way, I think it is so important to really think about who you want as your mentor, what you want out of the experience and what level of support you really need.
In the last few years, I have supported and number of organizations including FEW, YWiB and most recently, have partnered with Locelle and Mentor Moments. Each of these organizations offer a different take on mentorship, so I encourage you to learn more about each if you are looking for a mentor (or to become one).
I believe strongly that a values driven process is paramount.
Today, I want to share with you 5 reasons why you should consider becoming a mentee:
1. Learn from the experiences of other
This is where you’ll get insight and exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking
2. Becoming more self-aware
Being self-aware is a process that takes time and should be continuous. It could be as simple as learning more about what you like, what you don’t like, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, what you are good at and what you need to improve on.
Learning your values and being able to identify them in career opportunities allows you to create a path to your true potential.
3. Job satisfaction
Reaching your goals makes you feel fulfilled and successful. You can’t reach a goal that has not been identified yet. With mentorship, as you determine goals, you can then create a process of how to achieve those goals.
Did you know that reaching goals will naturally increate job satisfaction. It will create more meaning and fulfillment (don’t just take our word for it, this is from Psych 101).
4. Expanding your network
The wider your circle, the more aware you are of what is going on in the world, outside of your bubble (and not just the COVID kind). Mentors automatically expand your professional network and can also impact your personal network as relationships grow. An introduction in a professional setting is one of the most valuable tools you can be handed!
Did you know that mentors are often the biggest champions of their mentees during a job search? Often acting as a reference, a guide, a sounding board and a confidant.
5. Increased diversity and improved corporate culture
If you are an organization that isn’t sold on supporting your employees with opportunities to access mentorship (inside and outside of the organization), this one is for you.
Representation matters.
If employees in your firm don’t have the representation, they need at the levels they aspire to reach, then it’s the organizations duty to support them in acquiring that representation elsewhere.
From a corporate culture standpoint, a mentored employee becomes an employee with increased confidence, a heightened sense of inclusion and belonging, and empowers their ability to knowledge share, engage and contribute positively to the organization.
Stay tuned for part 2 on 5 reasons you should consider becoming a mentor!
