ISD - VOICE Mentor Program’s Post

Caring for our youth - mentoring can make a world of difference to someone 🌟 Mentoring is a very powerful process and can be helpful in many different situations. My focus here is on our youth that needs us more than ever. Why? Youth unemployment rates are consistently higher than those of adults. Social isolation is a significant issue among young people, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions. This is what is reported through global organizations such as WHO, ILO and it is consistent with what we hear from the news every day. For me it is worrying, and it calls for action. Why mentoring? 🔸 By providing mentorship, we can empower young individuals to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence. We can also offer invaluable guidance, helping to navigate through educational and early career challenges. 🔸 Many young people face significant difficulties or lack that encouraging adult to talk to; a supportive mentor can make a world of difference in the personal and professional growth. 🔸 As a mentor, you'll learn and grow just as much as your mentees. You’ll gain fresh perspectives and new insights and sometimes even create lasting relationships. 🔸 Mentoring is an investment to the future. Strong, supported youth contribute to stronger, more resilient communities and societies. These are all compelling reasons why I have decided to dedicate part of my time to do pro-bono mentoring for young individuals.  I am currently a Mentor in a mentoring program led by Suomen Mentorit (Mentors of Finland), where an impressive number of 175 mentoring pairs are currently on their mentoring journey aiming to support young individuals in their transition to working life and mapping their own path. Read more. My mentee is Eveliina Autio who is a dedicated professional graduated from Aalto University, currently looking for a job. A few words from Eveliina on mentoring “Mentoring has provided me with a valuable space to express my thoughts, ideas, and questions on career related topics at this transitional time in my life. Tarja has shared her experiences, provided feedback, and asked me thought provoking questions. This has enabled me to assess my career aspirations from new perspectives. We have covered topics including values, dreams, and CV skills with many more topics to come. Our conversations have been incredibly valuable to me, and I believe that many other young professionals would highly benefit from having a mentor as well." I am calling on you to make a difference in someone’s life through mentoring. Reach out if you want to discuss finding the right program for you or how your organization can accelerate efforts in caring for youth. There are many ways to make a difference 🌍✨, how are you contributing today 🌟🙌? #MentoringMatters #YouthEmpowerment #DareToCare #ProBono #ChangeMaker #BetterFuture #InclusiveGrowth #CorporateSocialResponsibility

The Art of Mentorship: Becoming the Mentor you wish you had. Imagine starting your career with a guide by your side, someone who not only paves the way but also shines a light on paths unknown. That's the power of mentorship. Recently, a friend of mine called me and requested me to have a word with her little one going to join university really soon. This young girl was afraid of the course, too many uncertainties and propaganda especially from individuals who are not even in this profession. I took time off and we had a talk for 52 minutes to be exact and she was so excited. She texted the sister immediately after our talk telling how she had had a marvelously meaningful conversation with me and felt ready to go prepare for her application process. It actually felt good to get such feedback. I cannot claim to be a good mentor yet but I am working towards becoming one someday. According to me, I have a few insights on what would make a great one, enriching ones professional journey and that of your mentees. Mentorship is more than guiding someone through the motions of a job; it's about inspiring, challenging and nurturing someone as they navigate their career path. A mentor helps shape an individual's professional and personal development, creating a lasting impact. Some of the key qualities of a good mentor may include: empathy, patience and expertise. As a mentor you have to understand the challenges your mentee faces, you have to provide space for your mentee's growth and share knowledge and experiences as well as facilitating their ability to find their own solutions. You can help them set realistic goals because you have a better understanding of the profession and the dynamics around it. Give feedback, which can be through constructive criticism which fosters creativity. carry out regular check ins to discuss progress, concerns and many more issues that may come up. I remember during my High school, we had a mentorship program (compulsory) where all students chose a staff member as a mentor and we met them every Monday without fail. They would go through our book planners to make sure we have perfected the skill of how to effectively plan our days' activities, check academic progress and challenges we may be facing as individuals and all this gave us the ambiance of not being afraid to be corrected or to speak up in case of grievance. To date I cannot survive without a planner and it has helped me keep account of my day to day activities, and for all those who know the slogan "Plan plan plan your day" you very well know where I am coming from. I am always grateful to my mentor. So according to you, what qualities do you look for in a mentor? Have you had a mentor who significantly impacted your life? Feel free to share your experiences as well. My thought is that good mentors are pivotal to personal and professional growth so let us strive to offer back the guidance we once received, or wish we had, to those walking the path behind us.

MENTORSHIP SYSTEM!! Hey hey hey, bro Emeka and aunty Nkechi, yes am talking to two of you..🙄🙄🙄 Who even told you that is mandatory that you must mentor everybody that cross your path??🤷🤷 In every school there is always a particular teacher for any subject, not just because one teacher cannot teach three subjects only him or her, No I didn't say that.🖐️ In my secondary school days, I have been a student in both schools where a teacher teaches 2 or 3 subjects only him or her, and also where a teacher teaches one subject only him or her. and I can boldly beat my chest and tell you that there is a big difference!! One thing about preparation is this, the more time you spend in drafting and preparing a thing is the more insights and clear understanding you will have to the topics you want to speak on.. Ok, you that have decided to have 20 or 30 mentees as a mentor in the age of 25 or there about. Just tell me what you are thinking when you are busy accepting all those offers?🙄🙄 Who told you that mentorship is a trophy or your name will be added in the Guinness book of record as the mentor with the highest number of mentees.. 😁😁😊 Oya calm down and listen, there is always a way all these things works. First thing first, you cannot mentor a different group of people that is not learning the same thing at a time and wants all of them to learn and function effectively in their different field of life.. You want to know why? Mentorship works with details. and you can't discipline someone to function effectively if you have not mastered the act and the weakness of the person.. Have you now seen how you are wasting your time and other people's time as well, because if you want to force yourself and do all that to all of them; at the end you won't have time for yourself and grow again.. And once they notice they are not learning new things again, they will have no choice but to leave you and look for someone that has 5 or 3 mentee that is delivering well to them.. Lastly, there are some person's you call mentee that have a personal mission in your life, these set of person have swear not to grow under you despite all your efforts towards them. this only should tell you that you are not meant to mentor them and the devil is attacking your growth with them..🤔🤔 E shock you baa..😉😉 In everything you do, there is always these set of person that are meant for you, just quit those that are not yours and move on with your own.. You are not for everybody, and everybody is not for you... Even the strongest of us all, still needs help..👌 You got value right? Shalom..🙌🙌🙌 Ps: CHRIS concept #Kingship #UltimateBrand #GoveringSystem

Your mentorship matters! No matter how unique, weird, unsuccessful, or bent out of shape you think your path has been. This weekend was Homecoming for Southern Virginia University. One of the events I attended was a networking meet and greet for alumni and current seniors (great job organizing and hosting, Joanna Porter and Jessica Whipple!). In chatting with alums about getting involved in mentoring students, I heard multiple times that they weren't sure what they could offer. There seemed to be uncertainty about worthiness to be a mentor, for many reasons: They didn't use their degree quite how they'd originally intended or in a way that might be seen as a "typical" career path. They're a stay-at-home parent right now. They aren't successful or special enough. Any success they HAVE stumbled into is just that - a happy accident, not a replicable process they could recommend others follow. They feel the institution has changed and grown enough that their experiences wouldn't feel relevant to current students anymore. Or on the flip side, they didn't graduate long enough ago to be ready to mentor anyone. Or on the flip FLIP side, they haven't ever actually finished and earned the formal degree. Lots of perceived reasons for disqualification from mentoring young people. But as I heard their stories, over and over again it was clear to me that our students absolutely WOULD benefit - and greatly - from every one of them. If you're hesitating to step into that mentoring role, don't forget these things: - You don't have to be perfect to mentor; you just have to have gone through a step or two (or twenty) beyond someone who might experience something similar to you - That similarity can be in any area of their life (handling family and professional life effectively, job searching, career exploration, career transitions, success in school, etc.) - not just if they're trying to follow your exact career path - Almost nobody has a truly "typical" career - the way you've managed your off-the-beaten-path trajectory and experiences can absolutely be relevant - Hearing the way you've made decisions and considered your options throughout adulthood could change a student's entire perspective on life and handling uncertainty - Hearing how you've struggled, either during or after your college experience, could help someone realize they're not alone or broken (at least, not any more than the rest of us) - Your story could help them see that uncertainty today doesn't mean failure tomorrow Your experiences, opinions, and knowledge are worth something - maybe everything. Don't keep yourself from sharing due to feelings of inadequacy. There are plenty of other reasons to consider not doing it, ha! You have a wildly busy life. But don't hide your light without a good reason. And if you're an SVU alum or friend and want to get involved with current students, absolutely let me know 😀 #careermanagement #mentorship #networking #alumni #goknights

As we slowly approach the end of yet another academic year, it's time to once again thank all of our fantastic mentors, who have taken the time to support a young person this year. You've been amazing. Thank you for your commitment and passion. We are always looking for new mentors. If you're interested, please get in touch (simon@thepromisefoundation.org.uk). Mentoring is often seen as a way for experienced individuals to pass on knowledge, skills, and guidance to the younger generation. While the primary focus often tends to be on the benefits to the mentee, this is a relationship in which the mentor also stands to benefit considerably. Engaging in mentorship can enhance the mentor's personal and professional life in several ways, creating a beautiful and mutually beneficial dynamic. One of the most profound benefits for mentors is the sense of fulfillment derived from helping someone grow and succeed. Watching a mentee develop confidence, acquire new skills, and achieve their goals can be incredibly rewarding. This altruistic act can enhance the mentor’s sense of purpose and satisfaction, contributing to their overall well-being. Additionally, mentoring provides an opportunity for self-reflection, allowing mentors to gain insights into their own lives and careers as they share their experiences and wisdom. Mentoring sharpens essential soft skills, particularly in leadership and communication. Guiding a mentee requires clear, effective communication and the ability to inspire and motivate. These skills are directly transferable to the mentor’s professional environment, potentially improving their performance and effectiveness in their own role. By learning to adapt their communication style to suit the mentee's needs, mentors become more versatile and empathetic leaders. Engaging with younger individuals can help mentors stay connected with emerging trends, technologies, and perspectives. The mentee’s fresh outlook can provide new ideas and challenge the mentor's preconceived notions, fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge. This continuous learning keeps mentors adaptable and informed, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. By contributing to the development of younger individuals, mentors play a crucial role in building stronger, more resilient communities. This sense of community involvement can enhance the mentor’s social capital and provide a sense of belonging and pride. Knowing they have contributed to the success of future generations can be a powerful motivator and source of personal pride. While the focus of mentoring is often on the benefits to the mentee, the mentor also reaps significant rewards. From personal satisfaction and improved leadership skills to staying relevant and expanding professional networks, mentoring is a mutually beneficial endeavour. By investing time and effort into guiding the next generation, mentors not only help shape the future but also enrich their own lives in meaningful ways.

🍪 My favorite mentoring model (Senior–Junior) There are two reasons why companies often don't let seniors mentor others. • Seniors are seen as too valuable for this • Seniors need more time for this. Familiar? Unfortunately, I was one of those who told this, but I found my way as an employer, tech lead, and engineer to improve. (Psst 🤫, it took me a while). I want to talk today about the 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲-𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹. An internal mentoring practice helps to understand the roles of seniors better. You don't need to execute the following with a tomato timer timer 🍅; it's more of a rule of thumb. ♻️ Sharing is caring; Reposting would help me a lot 🙏 𝗜. 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 Primary Responsibility: 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 (Mentor) ... 10% of their own daily available time. ... Seniors explain the following steps, what to focus on, and the rationale behind the approach. This stage sets the groundwork for the mentee’s tasks and ensures they understand the objectives, expectations, and pitfalls clearly. 𝗜𝗜. 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 Primary Responsibility: 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲 ... 80% of their own daily available time. ... Mentees carry out the work, 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 and have a time budget for resolving issues. This phase will enable mentees to apply their skills in a real-world setting, fostering growth through practical experience. 𝗜𝗜𝗜. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 Primary Responsibility: 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 (Mentor) ... 10% of their own daily available time. ... The mentee presents the completed work, and the senior provides constructive feedback and insights. This reflection phase not only reinforces concepts and techniques discussed during the Outline phase but also closes the loop on the mentee's work, providing essential guidance on areas for improvement and acknowledging successes. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀: Senior:    20% Junior:    100% This is already 1.6 hours of the senior's time, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲. Take this as an ideal and maximum. You can reduce it or spread the time evenly across multiple mentees. 0.4 hours = 5% 0.8 hours = 10% 1.2 hours = 15% 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝟮 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿: 2 x 24 mins = 48 mins (10% of the day) 2 x 48 mins = 1 hour 36 mins (20% of the day) 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: There will be less overtime while keeping the same team. Juniors become intermediate and step I. + III. will become less intense and will turn more into ad-hoc mentoring during II. Execution. 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁? Adopting this Model accelerates the learning curve for juniors and ensures high-quality output through continuous senior engagement. This method 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 and 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 by fostering a mentorship and knowledge-sharing culture, which enhances retention. Efficiently integrating mentorship into daily workflows prepares a pipeline of future leaders while maintaining productivity across the organization.

Your mentors create a gap between you and your competition. The primary benefit of mentors isn't "helping you grow". You can grow yourself. Plenty of resources online to do that whenever you want. No. Mentors are there to show you a different perspective than the one you're used to. Let me explain what I mean. You're living your life the way you're living it right now because that's what you know. That's your reality. If you had a different mental model of reality, it would have already manifested around you. You'd have the life you want already, but you don't. You're not the person who would have that life yet. You are your habits because your habits are informed by your goals, which are informed by your understanding of the world and your place in it. A mentor shows you a different way of understanding your situation than you've been operating with. They can look at what you're doing and see where your routines and behavior won't lead to achieving your goals. They're able to intervene and give you a shortcut, or stop you from going down the wrong path entirely. That's the true value of a mentor. Because the longer you take to reach your goals, the more likely you'll have to change those goals as the world evolves. Or the more likely you'll burn out and quit. I grew up taking private violin lessons in high school. Far too late, but even then I noticed leaps & bounds in my performance from those few years of mentorship. More recently, a physical therapist, strength coach, and nutritionist rescued me from myself with their accountability systems and wisdom. If not for them, I'd still be 30 lbs heavier with a bad knee. Even more recently, I spent a year under various mentors learning how to write content, emails, and sales funnels, and it's been rewarding in countless ways I couldn't have imagined in 2023. Everywhere I go now, I seek to learn from others. Because I know the advantage it's given me over other people trying to do the same thing. When you only have a couple hours a day, you can't waste any of it. I no longer try to "learn everything myself". It's a waste of time with all the free and inexpensive mentorship online nowadays. We're living in the age of decentralized education. Be a mentor or be mentored. Ideally, both. The best way to be competitive in any field right now is to aggressively seek mentorship and apply what you learn, but especially in tech when the market is so cutthroat. That said, one caveat is you should only focus on 1-2 mentors. They don't have the be the top people in your niche, as they're probably too busy to help you anyway. It's more about clarity for you. If you listen to too many people, you'll just get confused. Learn from my mistakes there.

A Full Circle Moment and complete surprise: 🤭My first mentor from when I was 21, turns up in my mentor training room 21 years later! Today, we had the privilege of launching a mentoring programme for the global firm BNP Paribas. It was incredible to see 54 mentors and mentees come together, all having completed our training, and gaining a certificate of completion from our partners at Oxford Brookes University. These launch events are always special. They’re designed to equip everyone with the confidence, skills, and clarity they need to get started. We spent time recapping key learning points—like the importance of boundaries—and preparing everyone to embrace the journey ahead. By the end of the session, each pair had their first mentoring meeting in private breakout rooms, setting the foundation for what I know will be a transformative experience. 🤔But something extraordinary happened today —one of those unexpected, emotional moments that shows the full power of mentoring. As the attendee names appeared on the screen, one stood out to me: Kim Charles Kim gave me my very first job when I was just starting out. At a time when I felt uncertain and fragile, she believed in me, mentored me, and gave me the foundation I needed to grow. And today, she was back—this time as a mentor, trained by me. I had no idea she’d be there, and the surprise was a beautiful reminder of the ripple effect of mentoring. Kim’s belief in me all those years ago helped shape who I am today. And now, through this programme, she’ll pass that same gift on to someone else. For organisations like BNP Praibas mentoring isn’t just about developing individual talent—it’s about fostering a culture of growth, connection, and mutual support. Starting small, as BNP Paribas have done, can lead to profound, company-wide benefits. By bringing in external expertise like ours, they’ve ensured their programme is set up for success from day one. Moments like today are why I’m so passionate about what we do. Mentoring transforms lives—not just for the mentees, but for the mentors too. And it creates ripples of change that extend far beyond the individuals involved. If your organisation is considering how mentoring could unlock potential and create meaningful impact, let’s talk. We specialise in designing bespoke mentoring programmes that are as rewarding for mentors as they are for mentees—and help organisations achieve their goals in the process. Because mentoring changes everything. 💙 Thank you to all the BNP Paribas team, especially Rachita and Victoria (and of course Kim!) - It was a real pleasure working with you.

Summer Prep = Great mentoring in Fall Establishing strong mentoring relationships is crucial for all doctoral students. Here are a few good practices to do during the summer to proactively prep for mentoring and set you, as a doctoral student, up for success in the fall: Identify Potential Mentors: Research both current and future faculty members, professionals, and scholars in your field whose work aligns with your interests. Make a list of potential mentors to approach. Prepare an Elevator Pitch: Develop a concise and compelling description of your research interests and goals. Be ready to present this pitch when meeting potential mentors. Reach Out to Potential Mentors: Send personalized emails to potential mentors, introduce yourselves and express your interest in their work. Request informational meetings or informal chats to learn more about the mentor’s research and seek advice. Prepare for Meetings: Come prepared with specific questions and topics to discuss. Show genuine interest in the mentor’s work and provide a brief overview of your own research. Follow Up: Send thank-you notes after meetings and express appreciation for the mentor’s time and insights. Stay in touch with updates on your progress and any relevant achievements. Seek Regular Feedback: Schedule regular check-ins with mentors to discuss progress and seek feedback. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your work. Be a Good Mentee: Be respectful, dependable, and responsive. Show initiative and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Build a Mentoring Network: Don’t rely on a single mentor; seek guidance from multiple mentors with diverse expertise. Establish a network of mentors who can provide different perspectives and support. Additional tips to build connections - Attend Conferences and Workshops: Participate in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your field. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and follow up with presenters and fellow attendees. Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of relevant professional organizations and attend their events. Participate in special interest groups or committees within these organizations. Join relevant online forums, discussion groups, and webinars. Engage in Research Collaborations: Seek opportunities to collaborate on research projects or publications. Volunteer to assist with ongoing research in the mentor’s lab or research group. Participate in Departmental Activities: Attend departmental seminars, talks, and social events. Engage with faculty and peers to build a presence within the department. By actively engaging in these practices during the summer, you can establish meaningful connections and secure valuable mentorship that will benefit your academic and professional growth in the fall and beyond. Reach out to someone today – it might be the first step to a lifetime mentorship relationship. Who would you want to be your mentor? 

THREE TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF MENTORSHIP One crucial piece of advice for young professionals is to actively seek out a mentor. Mentors typically do not seek out mentees; instead, they look for individuals who show initiative and determination. While finding the right mentor-mentee match can take time and effort, the benefits are well worth the investment. When beginning the search for a mentor to advise and support career progression, it can be challenging to know where to start. Even with a large number of LinkedIn connections, many may be former college classmates who are at a similar stage in their careers. If a natural fit is not apparent within one's current network, it is advisable to research companies that are admired and to reach out to professionals whose career paths align with desired goals. LEARN TO RECORGNIZE THE ACCELERATORS IN YOUR LIFE. Securing work experience or an internship right out of education can be a pivotal step in a young professional's career. It can provide a valuable learning experience, even if the initial role seems insignificant. Meanwhile, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication, even in menial tasks, can catch the attention of influential individuals within the organization. Such dedication can lead to significant opportunities. Recognizing and seizing these opportunities can be transformative. One step further, engaging in a mentoring relationship with someone more experienced than you can introduce you to a wide range of opportunities. REMEMBER THAT MENTORSHIP IS A TWO WAY STREET The mentor-mentee relationship is a two-way street—since mentors are dedicating their time and energy to their mentee's future, the mentee in return must strive to deliver tremendous value to their mentors. This can be more practical like accommodating the mentor's schedule to ensure time for meetings, but also can be demonstrated in effort, such as taking on more tasks that are outside of your comfort zone, proactively taking steps towards your goals and keeping track of progress. Not only is it important to demonstrate such commitment in your mentoring relationships in the run up to achieving a goal, but also to maintain that level of dedication throughout your career. This will help differentiate yourself from others, access support and strengthen the mentor-mentee bond. Mentorship is one of the most effective paths to career success. The benefits gained from a strong mentor relationship can surpass those from grad school, natural talent, and even luck. The key is to have the foresight and humility to seek mentorship. By doing so, individuals can find numerous accelerators who can add value to their careers. More importantly, by proactively adding value to their mentors as well, individuals can ensure they get the most out of the mentor relationship, paving the way for personal and professional success. Thanks for sharing this with us at Women Offshore mentorship program 2024