22.1 An Introduction to Mentorship

For years, education has been regarded as a powerful equalizer, promoting social and economic advancement worldwide. To make the most of the college experience, students are often encouraged to expand their networks. For many, higher education represents an investment in social and financial resources that opens doors to future opportunities. Research shows that the environment in which a person operates significantly influences their long-term social and career outcomes (Lent, et al., 2000). To support this journey and enhance post-graduation success, mentorship offers a valuable connection between individuals and professionals who share the wisdom of their experiences.

Throughout this semester, as you build meaningful relationships with your mentors, you’ll learn how to navigate the mentoring context, understand different communication styles, and master the art of asking the right questions. By identifying the common communication styles and recognizing the types of questions that drive insightful discussions, you’ll be equipped to engage in deep, meaningful conversations. Along the way, you’ll also discover the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation to those who support and guide you. And as your mentoring relationships evolve, you’ll learn the role of closure, ensuring that each experience ends with clarity and purpose. This semester is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s a chance to connect, grow, and set the foundation for your future success. Embrace this journey with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity, and let it be a space to build confidence and form meaningful connections.

DEFINING & UNDERSTANDING MENTORSHIP

Mentorship is a developmental process that connects individuals for the purpose of personal and professional growth. Although mentorship can take various forms, it’s crucial to have a mutual understanding of the goals and intentions of the relationship, including the specific time frame for the partnership. Let’s explore the structure and types of mentorship. Mentoring partnerships can be either formal or informal, each with different expectations and dynamics.

Formal mentorship, often associated with structured programs, includes elements such as participant training, a defined start and end to the relationship, clear goals and outcomes, and carefully curated mentoring matches. In contrast, informal mentorship is less structured and tends to develop naturally in social or professional settings. Unlike formal partnerships, which are bound by specific times and places, informal mentoring relationships can evolve organically, with participants adding structure as needed over time.

When considering the style of mentorship, formal mentorship follows a steady, predictable pace, while informal mentorship is more flexible, addressing immediate needs as they arise. Now, let’s explore the different types of mentoring you can pursue. Each type can incorporate both formal and informal elements, but the key factor is an agreed-upon conversation between the designated mentor(s) and mentee(s). See the chart below for descriptions of traditional 1:1 mentorship, group mentoring, and flash mentoring, also known as career conversations:

Types of Mentorship

This semester, together, you will be experiencing group mentoring.

Here are the objectives for the experience:

1. Boost Your Confidence: Engage in a supportive environment where you can confidently explore different mentorship opportunities and career paths.
2. Discover Success Strategies: Learn and discuss strategies to achieve career success while staying true to yourself and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
3. Build Meaningful Connections: Connect with alumni and professionals who can share their experiences and insights on navigating the professional world, developing communication skills, ethics, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities.

Here is what you can expect from your group mentoring experience:

Active Discussions

• Your mentor is here to guide conversations and make sure everyone has a chance to participate. If you’re nervous about speaking up, don’t worry—this is a safe space to share your thoughts and grow together.

Professional Role Models

• Your mentor will demonstrate key professional skills and behaviors that will help you as you transition into the working world. Pay attention to how they communicate, manage discussions, and navigate tricky situations—these are valuable lessons you can take with you!

Confidentiality is Key

• Feel free to share your experiences or concerns with confidence. Anything sensitive that’s discussed within the group is expected to stay private, allowing for open and honest conversations.

Honesty & Transparency

• Your mentor will openly share their experiences to help guide you through your own journey. In return, feel free to be honest about your thoughts, challenges, and ambitions. Building trust within the group is important for meaningful interactions.

Respect for All

• Everyone’s contributions are important! Whether it’s your mentor or your fellow students, respect for different perspectives and opinions is essential. This is a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone should feel heard.

Especially if you are new to mentoring, here are some of the reasons that group mentoring is a great place to start or continue to learn:

Group Mentoring is a Relaxed Space for Growth

• Group mentoring offers a friendly, low-pressure way to dive into mentorship. You’ll get the chance to connect, share, and learn without feeling the weight of one-on-one pressure. Plus, your mentor and peers are there to support you.

You Have the Chance to Learn from Multiple Perspectives

• Being in a group means you’re not only learning from your mentor but also from your classmates. Everyone brings unique experiences and ideas, and these diverse perspectives will broaden your understanding of various topics.

You’ll Build Your Network

• This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with a professional mentor and your classmates, building relationships that can help you in your future career. Networking isn’t just about business cards—it’s about forming meaningful connections!

References

Friedman, A. (2024, August 12). Council post: The secret ingredient to success: Maintaining personal and professional relationships. Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/03/22/the-secret-ingredient-to-success-maintaining-personal-and-professional-relationships/

Sciarappa, K., & Whitmer, M. (2022). International Mentoring Association  Mentor Training “Building Futures”  Mentor’s Notebook Eight Types of Questions: International Mentoring Association. August 9, 2022,

Zachary, L. J., & Fischler, L. A. (2009). The mentee’s guide: Making mentoring work for you. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.