Mentoring
Mentoring statement
My mentoring philosophy is to provide the structure and room for each protégé to develop skills that may benefit them in their career and life. As every mentee is unique, I aim to understand the goals of each protégé, as well as their style of learning. I strive to create a balanced interaction in which we learn from one another. I want them to feel comfortable in seeking my advice or discuss next steps. To develop this relationship based on mutual respect, I work with them to establish expectations that we will follow and listen to their concerns. Once proteges have developed skills beneficial to them and the confidence that they can accomplish their goals, my role changes to stepping back and allowing them to grow on their own.
To assist them in developing their particular skill set, I provide them with insight into the choices I have made in my career and the impacts of those choices. Through these discussions, I have learned that many proteges are unaware of the opportunities and resources available to them. Guiding them to find such resources and showing them how to utilize them strategically is one of my goals. To help them develop a network of other potential guides with different experiences than my own, I require students to present at a professional meeting or conference. These meetings allow mentees to establish colleagues and potential next steps in their careers.
Understanding my proteges is an important step in accommodating their individual goals and ensuring their skills and actions help them reach them. While teaching is a focus of mine, I also want to challenge them. This allows them to learn the necessary critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work independently and confidently.
I require that my proteges demonstrate enthusiasm, honesty, effective communication, and initiative. That is a standard I have set for myself and aim to utilize in my mentee interactions. I strive to provide a safe presence so proteges feel comfortable coming to me with concerns, questions, and feedback. Should proteges have concerns or require guidance on topics outside the focus of their careers, I am open to discussing these issues and finding potential resources to help deal with them. Forming meaningful connections with each student, providing opportunities and training, and listening to their concerns is my focus as I aim to provide an environment that facilitates mutual growth and a successful career.
