Griffith Industry Mentoring Program MENTOR BRIEFING SESSION Careers and Employment Service – Presenter Tiana Fenton

Careers and Employment Service  To ensure you feel “ready” to start your mentoring relationship  To identify important aspects of successful mentoring  To identify your strengths as a mentor  Orientation to Program requirements Aims of Mentor Briefing

Careers and Employment Service What is Mentoring? The classic definition of mentoring: An older or more experienced guide who is acceptable to the younger or less experienced person and who can help facilitate transition/growth/development.

Careers and Employment Service Definition of Mentoring Today mentoring is defined as:  A collaborative and purposeful relationship that supports people to reach their goals.  A relationship that facilitates mutual learning, reflection and growth.  Personal and community growth through a variety of formal or informal mechanisms, primarily through the relationship itself.

Careers and Employment Service Isn’t Mentoring just Friendship?  The mentoring relationship should be focused on helping the mentee  Mentors should maintain appropriate boundaries and stay in the role of mentor  Mentoring has a specific purpose  Mentors and mentees have different levels of power – mentors have more experience and knowledge

Careers and Employment Service Program Aims  Ease students’ transition to work  Facilitate students’ workplace learning  Build professional confidence  Facilitate networking among mentors  Link Griffith with business and industry

Careers and Employment Service Roles and Attributes of a Mentor Identify a mentor from any time in your past  Why were they important and what was the result for you as a consequence of their interest?  Recall the qualities of that person

Careers and Employment Service A Mentor Needs:  A clear understanding of what their mentoring relationship is trying to achieve  The ability to create an open friendly relationship

Careers and Employment Service A Mentor Needs:  An awareness of your own experiences, strengths and weaknesses  The ability to help others help themselves to find solutions  An openness to new experiences and people and a willingness to learn

Careers and Employment Service What Will Career Mentoring Involve?  Commit sufficient time to the Program  Help student explore options  Refer student to useful resources  Facilitate opportunities  Share knowledge and experiences  Offer advice without being directive

Careers and Employment Service Key Features  Mentor and Mentee Briefing Sessions  Program Launch  Mentoring Agreement sign-off  Progress Report  Networking function  Evaluation

Careers and Employment Service Establishing the Relationship  Negotiate expectations for the Program  Share personal and work experiences  Discuss student’s goals  Discuss assistance/activities you can offer  Complete Mentoring Agreement together  Schedule future meetings  Induct student into your workplace

Careers and Employment Service Mentoring Activities  Discuss career-related issues  Clarify work roles and employment options  Create opportunities for networking  Provide feedback on performance  Advise mentee about job search strategies  Provide hands-on experience(s)

Careers and Employment Service Possible Issues  Unrealistic expectations of mentee  Changes to mentor’s work commitments  Changes to student’s situation  Personality clash

Careers and Employment Service Contact Details For Support If you have any concerns or queries, please contact: Tiana Fenton Phone: Delys Haskett Phone: