One-on-one mentorship is a trend that continues to grow in popularity and works best when the mentor-mentee relationship is a compatible match.
Mentor-Mentee Relationships: The Backbone of Career Success
Business owners who use mentors are more likely to experience growth in their businesses than those who don’t use mentors.
Seventy percent of entrepreneurs who seek out mentors survive twice as long as those who don’t leverage mentor-mentee relationships.
In a survey by the Harvard Business Review, 84% of CEOs with mentors said the relationship helped them avoid costly mistakes and become proficient faster.
While 82% of women agree having a mentor is a good decision, only one in every five has one. Mentorship plays a central role in helping people, especially women and people from minority communities, climb the career ladder.
You Get a Mentor! And, You Get a Mentor!
You already know Southern Careers Institute offers programs in high-demand careers in industries like healthcare, technology, skilled trades, business, or beauty. And, that we equip students with the Day-1 Ready™ Skills employers are asking for, all while providing the opportunity to earn certifications and badges along the way.
Did you know, every SCI student is connected to a professional mentor? That’s right! Every student receives one-on-one mentorship from someone who started their career right here at SCI.
We know that for any one-on-one mentorship relationship, compatibility is important for success. But, what’s next? Our Career Services team created these tips for getting the most out of your mentor-mentee relationship.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Mentor-Mentee Relationship
Be Curious
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone. This is by far the most important advice you need to follow to get the most out of your mentor. Since you are looking forward to entering into a whole new field, you need to ask thought-provoking questions. Explore the possibilities of venturing into things that scare you. Learn as much as you can until you no longer feel afraid. It is also important, especially for women and minority communities, to share challenges and fears so that you can know how to overcome such barriers.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Your SCI mentor has your best interest at heart. They are here to help you. It is important that you be 100% truthful with them and that you also be 100% receptive to the feedback you get, positive or negative. You are not helping yourself in any way by hiding information from your mentor. When looking for mentors when starting your career, remember their goal is not to pass any judgments on you.
Respect One Another
Trust is the building block for any mentor-mentee relationship. Such confidence ensures that you are both comfortable letting your guard down, knowing that the sessions are confidential. You should respect each other on both a personal and a professional level and, above all, have respect for each other\’s time. Always be punctual and stay within the agreed time for your sessions.
Know What You Want
Before your first session, you and your mentor should come up with clear goals and set some ground rules, establishing the direction you want to take and the prospective outcome of the sessions. The goals should be decided together to ensure that you are both on the same page. If you are looking to work together long-term, have smaller goals that act as milestones towards achieving the bigger goals.
Give As Well
Do not hesitate to share advice. As much as you are the mentee, you can all learn from one another. The ability to give and take will change the dynamic of your relationship, taking it to a whole other level.
The Bottom Line? Work with Your Mentor
Over and over, we hear SCI students attribute a significant portion of their success to their relationship with an SCI mentor. Your SCI mentor has been-there-done-that. They’ll provide guidance and support throughout your skills-based, career-focused program, while you’re preparing to take industry certification exams, and suggestions to help you along your career path. Contact us today to learn how our employer-tailored programs can jumpstart your career.
