Mentoring or mentorship is a huge responsibility. While the responsibilities of the mentor are inexhaustive, below are some key obligations of a mentor towards his/her mentees.
1. A mentor should offer guidance or direction and advice to the mentee based on their experience and expertise, helping the mentee navigate their professional or personal journey effectively.
2. Mentors should provide emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance to their mentees, especially during challenging times or when facing obstacles. This is most important when the mentees are hit with multiple rejections (which is normal on the scholarship journey) to reassure them that you are with them and that there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Mentors should willingly share their knowledge, skills, and insights with their mentees, helping them expand their understanding and capabilities. This not only helps mentees secure opportunities within a shorter period (compared to if they worked alone) but also prepares them as future mentors, for sustainability.
4. Mentors should provide honest and constructive feedback on the mentee's actions, behaviors, and performance, helping them identify areas for improvement and growth.
5. Mentors should assist mentees in setting realistic and achievable goals, guiding them in creating actionable plans to reach those goals effectively.
6. Mentors should practice active listening, showing genuine interest in the mentee's concerns, ideas, and aspirations, and providing thoughtful responses. This makes it easier for the mentor to actively work with their mentees to develop and enhance specific skills relevant to their personal or professional development goals.
7. Mentors should lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behavior for their mentees to emulate. Additionally, they should empower mentees to take ownership of their decisions and actions, fostering independence and self-confidence.
8. Mentors should teach their mentees how to write and send professional emails and how to reply to emails. In addition, teach your mentees how to effectively use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, etc (which are online CVs), WhatsApp, and virtual platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc where they are likely to take their interviews, webinars or online personal or professional development courses.
9. Mentors should help mentees navigate challenges and overcome obstacles by offering advice, strategies, and resources, while also encouraging resilience and perseverance.
10. Mentors should teach mentees how to write outstanding CVs/Resumes, winning admission/scholarship essays, and navigate university admission portals among others. Additionally, give them tips to Ace interviews, hit high scores on standardized tests, hold regular meetings with them to check their progress, expose them to opportunities, and train them on how to search for bonafide opportunities, support their applications with letters of recommendation etc.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, mentors can contribute significantly to the growth and development of their mentees, fostering a supportive and enriching mentor-mentee relationship.
Toulack Kingsley | Open Dreams | 2024 International ACAC Scholar
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