THE END OF THE ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL ERA
When we think about mentoring, we tend to picture an old person sharing their wisdom with a younger individual, just like Yoda does with a young padawan. Although nowadays mentoring is as important as ever, the concept has evolved a lot over the past few years and does not correspond to a single scheme anymore.
Today, anybody can become a mentor if they’d like to. It doesn’t matter whether they have 1 or 20 years of experience, as long as they are willing to share their knowledge and their story with other people.
The mentee may decide to be supervised by the same mentor overtime or meet with different professionals. Either way, he will certainly benefit from these conversations.
This last option becomes more interesting if we consider mentoring as a mean to help people with their career path.
Indeed, when given the opportunity to connect with different professionals, the young person will have the chance to receive more feedback but also to get a better idea of the reality of the different jobs out there. For the mentor, the possibility of accompanying several young people at different time brings more flexibility regarding the organisation of his time. In addition, chatting with different profiles will bring the mentor more intellectual stimuli.
IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE
Modern mentoring translates into flexible engagement, depending on the availability and willingness of the mentor, but it remains an activity that requires time, and above all, kindness. So, what are the reasons why professionals get involved in supporting young people? What are the benefits for a mentor in terms of personal and career development?
1. BECOME A MENTOR TO DEVELOP YOUR SOFT SKILLS
Giving time to inspire other people, showing patience to those who need advice, helping those who are still deciding on their career path… All these actions that naturally result from the role of a mentor are a great way to develop soft skills such as leadership, a sense of service or even emotional intelligence.
2. HIGHLIGHT YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR COMPANY
Committed employees who actively contribute to giving visibility to the different jobs available, to spreading a positive image of its teams, to embodying its values among the youngest… Isn’t this what all companies dream of? Organisations invest many resources in the promotion of their employer brand and you can play a key role in their strategy by becoming your company’s ambassador!
3. GET TO KNOW THE NEW GENERATION IN DEPTH
Becoming a mentor is a unique opportunity to step out of your circle, out of your comfort zone, and see your profession through the eyes of someone younger. It’s also a great way for you to rediscover your job position and receive an extra dose of motivation. Who knows where these new perspectives will take you? And for those who still feel excited and passionate about their job after all this time, it’s also a great opportunity for you to share and transmit this passion to young people looking for their dream job.
4. BECOME A MENTOR TO GROWN YOUR OWN SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
While networking is crucial for young people, it is also essential for active professionals. Expanding your network is surely not the main reason for becoming a mentor, but the contacts made through mentoring can be precious down the road. Who knows where the young mentees will end up? Maybe they will be part of your team in the future?
5. CHANGING LIVES IN A SELFLESS WAY
Sometimes, we are not aware of what we have to offer to others. Some may think that they are not legitimate to become a mentor because they do not have enough experience in their field, doubt their communication skills, believe that their unconventional background does not deserve the spotlight… But, for young people seeking answers regarding their career guidance, your story can be fundamental. These students face many choices at a very young age, and the altruistic support of more experienced people is of great value. Give the new generation the encouragement and support they need to develop their potential, you will sleep better at night!
HOW TO BECOME A MENTOR
Supporting someone is not only about inspiring them by sharing your background and experience. It is also about giving them advice and answering their questions genuinely. Honesty and communication are as important in the mentor-mentee interaction, as they are in any other relationship.
Did all the arguments mentioned in this article persuade you to become a mentor? Do you want to help young people discover new professions and find their career path? Then, it’s time for you to learn more about My Job Glasses, the first mentoring tool in Europe that connects 15-30 years old with professionals from all industries.
If you are wondering how our tool works, here are a few more details: it’s free for both mentors and mentees, allows young people to get in touch with professionals in a few clicks and offers mentors total flexibility for setting their availability each month.
