MENTORING ESTABLISHES A SOCIAL NETWORK
TO EXPAND AN INDIVIDUAL’S ABILITY TO
DEVELOP ALLIES AND ALLIANCES.
- Mentoring is a two-way street, allowing both the mentors and the mentees to benefit.
- Mentoring enhances an individual’s professional outlook.
- Mentoring relationships are great opportunities to meet people different from yourself.
- Communication is a key element in developing a successful mentoring relationship.
- Mentoring raises the level of professionalism in the industry.
MENTORS’ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am new to mentoring and don’t know what I should do for the first meeting with my mentee?
Your initial meeting should be a “get to know you” on comfortable turf, as relaxed as possible. You may want to meet with your new mentee at your office, over coffee or maybe lunch. Don’t be discouraged if the relationship is awkward at first.
What are some of the things that I should get to know about my mentee?
Find out how he/she is doing in school; what are their favorite courses, toughest assignments or struggles? This would be an excellent opportunity for you to share your own struggles and offer any assistance you can.
What would be some good questions to ask my mentee?
Ask your mentee what he/she expects from the relationship and how they think you can help them.
What non-academic assistance can I provide my mentee?
Share your own career history and discuss what was critical to your success and, just as important, what were some of the pitfalls.
I am a very busy professional and although I do not have much time to spare, I would love to become a mentor.
Mentoring doesn’t require a lot of time. Most BFIS scholars are studying abroad so there might be occasional e-mail communications, with meetings taking place during vacations to catch up – perhaps in the office, over coffee or maybe even a ‘working’ lunch.
I am very interested in becoming a mentor but am not sure whether I would be considered because I am non-Bermudian?
Anyone can be a mentor provided they are working professionally within the industry and are keen on helping young Bermudians. There is much to be gained from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
What practical professional help I can offer to my mentee?
Have your mentee visit your workplace, introduce him/her to your colleagues or young professionals in your office. Discuss the nature of your organization’s business, your role and company culture. Invite your mentee to a professional association meeting you are a member of, to an open corporate presentation you are attending, or some other appropriate forum to meet and network with industry professionals.
How can I help my mentee make a career choice?
Discuss the career options your mentee has considered. Find out if he/she has any specific goals and what are they doing to achieve these. Find out if they need support or information to pursue their goals.
How do I address social etiquette with my mentee?
You may want to invite your mentee to lunch and discuss corporate etiquette or social functions you commonly experience. Students are sometimes interviewed over lunch and may not be accustomed to dining and conducting formal conversation at the same time. Remember that you are there to provide support and encouragement in any way you can. Look for ways to simply enjoy each other’s company and build a relationship.
I have lost touch with my mentee.
If you have trouble reaching your mentee contact the BFIS office.