I have greatly benefitted from the mentorship generously provided by senior leaders throughout my career and I was honoured to become a mentor myself to serve others – I didn’t anticipate all the things I would gain:
- Gratitude for my own achievements and career journey by helping fellow professionals achieve their goals, improve their lives, career engagement and satisfaction
- Increased self-reflection on my own career progress and goals
- New skills, knowledge and perspectives from different institutions, professional roles, cultures, educational and professional backgrounds
- Increased commitment to collaboration as I was able to see the tangible results from my mentorship at other institutions
- Expanded network with new collegial, ambitious colleagues across Canada
- Greater career satisfaction from the knowledge I was advancing the profession and leaving a legacy
- Ability to easily illustrate my commitment to education and leadership
- A chance to celebrate successes both my own, my mentees and our joint successes
- New, unique relationships created by me and my mentees. Each relationship was different depending on the time, objectives and geography of each mentee
- Many excellent referees for career-related opportunities
- Loyal allies and friends from many provinces and employers
- Professional recognition through award nominations
- Increased advocacy and coaching skills
I am truly grateful for each mentee I have helped gain confidence to identify and achieve ambitious career goals. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity to change someone’s life in as little as one hour a month, please consider the CARA Mentorship Program!
This blog is derived from the fourth edition of Steer Your Career: A Research Administrator's Manual to Mapping Success by Sarah Lampson and Katie Porter.