Mentoring is a learning tool to support personal development and a formidable career journey. In this relationship, the Mentor helps the Mentee to ‘discover their path and wisdom’.
Mentoring is a valuable development activity from which both mentees and mentors can gain a great deal. The experience, insight and guidance provided by mentors is often invaluable to people at who are studying and need clarity on career development. The program empowers learners to identify and take their next step for the courses as well as the career tracks to be pursued. The value of a professional relationship outside academic structures, provides a confidential and expert opinion led space to freely discuss goals and objectives. Mentors could develop their leadership and interpersonal skills, reflect on their own practice, and use their experience and expertise to support the development of others. Mentoring is associated with a wide range of positive personal and career outcomes, both for mentors and mentees.
The relationship between Mentor and Mentee is centered around the students’ aspirations and university programs.
SSBF engages its alumni to mentor the current batch of students. It is a 12 month program with 6 sessions of 90-120 mins each. SSBF reaches out to its alumni and seeks their interest to be a mentor. The interested alumni are then allotted 5 students each who they interact with regularly. Students can take appointment from their mentor and then seek guidance on their career goals and aspirations.
Role of a Mentor
As a Mentor, you support a Mentee by:
- Giving them an insight into your work and career
- Assisting them with practical tips on planning a successful career and learning plan
- Offering advice and guidance with their thinking about the careers
- Developing understanding, skills and support with problem-solving
- Encouraging reflection, recognizing and encouraging effective practice
- Identifying areas for development and improvement of self confidence
Role of a Mentee
As a Mentee, you:
- Communicate timely, clearly, concisely, and honestly
- Question where you do not fully comprehend
- Act upon advice on career track development
- Accept differing perspectives and deliberate
- Appreciate support and encouragement
- Provide your own experience to aid discussions
- ‘Own’ the relationship and make decisions but not ask for personal favors for others in the network