Coming from a small town in Appalachia Ohio to the big city, I was nervous about starting college. And my major. And schoolwork. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t have questions or worries about.
But luckily, I was blessed with the guidance and wisdom of many mentors who helped me with pivotal life events – and even some not so pivotal moments where I just had a question or needed some quick advice.
Because I know I wouldn’t be where I am in my life without those mentors, I pay it forward through mentoring our next generation of PR professionals.
Mentoring is a powerful way to help young PR professionals. Research shows that there are many short-term and long-term benefits to mentoring.
Benefits for students:
- Help with life questions and support. A mentor can help give practical advice, solve problems and provide encouragement. Conversations I’ve had over the years range from taking a job, to negotiating my salary and deciding between graduate school and starting a career.
- Help with professional development. Have questions about resumes? Interviewing? Attire? A mentor can help with all of that – and more.
- Gain insight into the field. When a mentor shares about everyday work – including accomplishments and challenges – it helps prepare students for what the “real world” looks like.
- Expand your professional network. Mentors are great resources to help students meet others in the field who can ultimately connect them with future career opportunities.
- Learn soft skills. Having a conversation with a complete stranger can be daunting. Meeting with a mentor and practicing follow up emailing a mentor builds those soft skills that are vitally important to the workplace.
Not only does the mentee benefit from a mentoring relationship, but I’ve gained many benefits from being a mentor.
- Fulfilment. Mentoring is my way to give back to all those people who have helped me. When I see a student I’m working with get a wonderful internship opportunity it’s a great feeling to know I played a part in that.
- Insight into yourself. Talking about your own life experiences gives you insight into how you communicate and handle challenges in your life. It’s opened my eyes to how I could have better handled situations or how I’ve learned from these situations.
- Leadership and communication skills. I’ve learned to hone my leadership and communication skills, which has helped at home, at work and in the community.
- Learn something new. I learn something new about technology trends and how our future leaders think about our profession. It helps keep me young!
- Making friends and colleagues for life. A lot of students I’ve worked with over the years have become my lifelong friends -- and even colleagues.
Stay tuned – in February we’re going to unveil a new program for students and professionals.
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