“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” - Steven Spielberg
Making the most out of college or university life goes far beyond being in the right university, having the right professors, and even having access to great facilities in your institution. One fact that is often overlooked in college life is the absence or presence of a mentor. During college education, students often need someone to assist them in navigating the complexities of higher education, and more importantly, the uncertainty of what life looks like after this stage.
For most tertiary students, the importance of mentoring is often overlooked or undervalued until they experience the impact of it for themselves; or hear of a great story about it from someone. However, the role of mentoring is very imperative since ideal mentors keep in mind students’ best interests, skills, talents, and abilities. They are therefore able to positively influence their mentees through guidance to enable them reach their fullest potential.
The Need for Mentoring
In this blog, I will discuss four main importance of mentoring to tertiary students.
Help broaden the scope of knowledge in the field
Mentors have information on up-to-date standards and knowledge in their professional fields. They are therefore able to introduce mentees to present and emerging opportunities in the field before they graduate. For students who wish to pursue further studies, mentors can help them choose research topics with great potential for the future.
Job and Interview Skills
For most students, the idea of job-seeking, interviews and job retention after graduation comes with so much fear. But mentors can help overcome this! Mentors demystify the often perceived overwhelming job-seeking and interview process. They do this by offering first-hand guidance in this process and also point out the red-flags mentees should avoid.
Networking
Networking is a well known concept and practice among tertiary students these days. However, for a greater number of them, the process is challenging. This is why you need a mentor. Mentors have established connections. Most of them are well known and respected in their organizations and community. Through a mentoring relationship, mentees are able to benefit from these networks.
Setting Goals
Mentors assist student both in their career and life choices. They do this by continuously keeping in mind the talents, skills and abilities of their mentees. As a result, they are able to assist their mentees determine career aspirations, and also work with them toward achieving this. This is one of the greatest importance of mentoring.
Conclusion
Through mentoring, mentees get the privilege of avoiding the mistakes made by others in the pursuit of their goals in life. If you haven’t gotten connected, the time is now. Connect with MeetMentors today to help you meet your mentor.
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