The Mentoring Program

Why might you need mentoring

  • Is your career progressing according to a plan?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years time?
  • How can you improve your chances of achieving your goals?
  • Are you isolated in a male-dominated professional environment?
  • Do you need support returning after a career break?
  • Are your networks working for you?
  • Should you be developing or refocusing your skill set?

If you identified with some of the questions and issues outlined above you might well benefit from mentoring. Many women are working long hours and juggling the work/ family life balance. It is easy to concentrate on the day-to-day issues and forget the larger picture. Having a mentor gives you the chance to think about your longer term objectives and focus on how to move your career forward. Mentors are a sounding board to provide support and guidance, allowing you to put issues into perspective and consider various possibilities.

What might you get out of mentoring?

The success of a mentoring relationship depends to large degree upon your attitude and your commitment. Mentees are expected to

Mentees are expected to take the lead in the partnership, to be proactive and work in order to achieve success.

A mentor should:

  • Ask you questions and challenge your thinking and actions
  • Be a sounding board for your ideas and issues
  • Encourage you towards your goals
  • Suggest opportunities
  • Nudge - not nag

Your mentor is there to help you to think through your options and help you to formulate your plans. They provide the opportunity to look more closely at yourself, your issues, opportunities and what you want in life. Mentoring is about becoming more self aware, taking responsibility and directing your life, rather than leaving it to chance.