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Mentoring Program

BPW/Florida Education Foundation Mentoring Program

 

We’re looking for our members to be mentors to the residents of the Scholarship Houses (traditional college age) and/or scholarship recipients statewide (all ages 18+).

 

To mentor is to advise or train someone, especially a younger colleague, through a formalized relationship structured to develop a mutually beneficial one-on-one professional relationship.

 

Mentoring is basically a system of semi-structured guidance whereby one person shares his/her knowledge, skills and experience to assist another to progress in his/her own life and career.  Mentors need to be readily accessible and prepared to offer help as the need arises – within agreed boundaries.

 

In traditional one-on-one mentoring, a Mentor and Mentee are matched, either through a program or on their own.  Distance Mentoring is a relationship in which two parties are in different locations.

It can help the mentee develop new skills and a larger network.  For the mentor, it serves as a way to give back and can also be a learning experience.

Mentoring consists of a long-term relationship focused on supporting the growth and development of the mentee.  The mentor becomes a source of wisdom and support.

(See attached sheet for Do’s and Don’ts)

The minimum amount of time the relationship should last is six months, but there is no maximum.  Some mentoring relationships last a lifetime, depending on the willingness of the two parties.  However, the mentoring connection may last only for a short time if the mentee’s need is to reach a specific goal.

MENTOR:                                                                              

 

What is the role of a Mentor?  A mentor may share with a mentee information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling.  A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts and identifying resources.  The mentor’s role is to guide, to give advice and to support the mentee.

 

A mentor’s role is to act as a Consultant, a Counselor (listen) and a Cheerleader.  In addition to providing constructive feedback and advice, a mentor should also provide support and enthusiasm.

 

A mentor motivates, inspires and supports – enabling the mentee to achieve his/her life’s goals and aspirations.

 

What qualities and/or skills do I need to be a Mentor?  A mentor acts as a teacher, friend, guide and encourager.  A good mentor is willing to share what he/she knows.  There are several characteristics that a good mentor needs to have including communication skills, dedication, knowledge, a love of learning, enthusiasm, and an adequate expertise in the mentee’s area of interest.

 

MENTEES:

 

Why have a Mentor?  Having a mentor can provide many advantages.  Mentoring offers a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction.  A mentor can help to shorten the learning curve, open the mind to new ideas and possibilities, identify opportunities and advise on how to promote oneself.

 

What should I expect from a Mentor? A relationship based on trust, confidentiality, mutual respect and sensitivity.

Mentoring requires clear boundaries between the mentor and mentee; both should be involved in establishing and agreeing to this process.  A mentee’s engagement with his/her mentor on an ongoing basis is crucial for the success of the relationship to work, to identify goals and challenges, and to set priorities.