Last week I attended a mentoring event at the Leeds School of Business. I’ve been a mentor in their Professional Mentorship Program (PMP) for more than two years now. Last week was the PMP Fall Kick-Off – the event where new students are introduced to their mentors, who they are partnered with for the next two years.
I joined PMP for a couple of reasons.
I used to work at the Leeds School so I knew the program and the wonderful people who run it. I liked the idea of being part of their vision.
They suggested I join, partly because my previous experience in hospitality management was a good fit for their students.
Initially, I didn’t think I would be qualified to be a mentor. I mean, what did I have to offer a business student? I couldn’t think of much. Surely, there were CEOs and VPs and company owners who were better suited to guide the next generations.
But I said, Yes. Okay. Sure. That sounds like fun.
At that point in my life, I'd had mentors because I knew it was a good thing to do. I'd never been told anything about being a mentor, though.
But I think being a mentor is just as important as having a mentor.
Here’s why:
1. It Teaches You Things About Yourself
Listening to and helping another human being navigate the world, whether it’s career-oriented or not, inevitably gets you thinking about your own goals and direction. I meet with my mentees to review resumes, answer questions about internships and listen to stories of multi-tasking college woes. I've learned I sometimes I have answers and sometimes I don't. I've learned to trust my instincts. I've learned that listening is sometimes better - and more beneficial - than talking.
2. It Gets You Involved in the Community
It's way more than a line on your resume. Mentoring gets you out of the daily grind. It means I take a break and meet my mentee for coffee or attend events at the Business School. I see new faces, meet new people and share stories and ideas. I am part of something and that is good for building community.
3. It Helps Build Professional Networks
Mentoring programs often have events. These events are full of business people - competitors, colleagues and strangers - who gather together with a focused support. I meet new people everytime, and whether or not we stay in touch, I get a chance to talk about my work and my company and hear what projects others are working on.
4. It's Good For Business
Everything I said above is why it's good for business. But additionally, being a mentor helps me better analyze my own professional work and goals because my perspective is refreshed more frequently. I recall what it's like to look for the first "real-job" and that reminds me how far I've come and what direction I want to go. I remember the days when I thought I knew everything but actually knew a lot less than I do now. Because of this, I'm professionaly more present and less stuck.
So, if you've ever had a mentor, you should consider becoming a mentor yourself.
