Student Mentee Induction Jon Boyes Curriculum and WorkRelated

Student Mentee Induction Jon Boyes Curriculum and Work-Related Learning Officer

Student Mentee Induction Learning outcomes • • • Understand the nature of mentoring; the roles of mentor and mentee Identify your expectations Understand the importance of professionalism, and the ways in which this is conveyed Set boundaries for the relationship, exploring the issues around confidentiality and trust Understand the role of networking to maximise opportunities

Student Mentee Induction What is mentoring? • • • A 1: 1 professional relationship lasting for up to 12 months. Support for your professional development A significant process which may continue during various stages of an individual’s career

Student Mentee Induction What mentoring is not … • • Tutor/student relationship - with focus on producing an academic outcome A friend/friend relationship - which mainly focuses on personal development usually outside work Counselling – take your personal problems elsewhere! A route to a placement – not an expectation of the scheme.

Student Mentee Induction Who are the mentors? • • Alumni Employers University contacts Staff Various levels of seniority From various organisations/backgrounds Each person has different goals and qualities

Student Mentee Induction Why are they important? • • • Given up their time and energy to help you! May be involved in other activities across other areas of the university Their experience on the Career Mentor Scheme may impact their likelihood of helping the University in the future

Student Mentee Induction Scheme objectives: mentees • • • An insight into the mentor's work and career Opportunity to meet contacts/colleagues of the mentor (networking) Developed an informed career plan eg further study, internship, change in direction Advice and guidance with their career thinking and their transition from undergraduate to young professional Improved employability skills e. g. communication, professionalism, time management, problem solving, C. V. and applications

Student Mentee Induction Scheme objectives: mentors • • Engaged with a University of Exeter student to provide information to aid their career development Developed their information, advice and guidance skills Gained an insight into current student life and news from the University Reflected upon their career achievements

Student Mentee Induction Professionalism • • What is it? Respectful communication (email/telephone/face to face) Ø Ø Dress code Responding in a timely manner Grammar & spelling Meeting in a professional environment

Student Mentee Induction Action Plans Set at least five objectives during the process Eg. § § Ask to be introduced to. . . Learn more about courses available in. . Send CV for comments and amend if necessary Set up monthly telephone meetings

Student Mentee Induction Receiving feedback • • • Listen carefully Avoid a defensive response – stop, reflect and respond Seek clarification if you are unclear Be prepared to try any alternatives with an open mind Mentors are only human and this is a developmental process for them too.

Student Mentee Induction Reflection Example prompts: • • • What did you do? What did others do? What did you think? What did you feel and react? How did you behave? How did others behave?

Student Mentee Induction Reflection (cont. ) Example prompts: • What was good or bad about the experience? • Have your feelings changed over time, suggesting that your own point of reference has changed? • Are there any ethical/ moral/ social issues that you want to explore? • Is there something you need to do next? • Is there something that you would do differently next time, given a similar situation?

Student Mentee Induction Networking • • How it can be helpful How to approach someone/what to discuss • • • Elevator pitch – who you are, why you are there, your goals Listening vs speaking, the 80/20 rule Finding common ground Sharing contact details Asking if follow up is OK

Student Mentee Induction Personal safety • • • Always meet in a public place – ideally at the mentor’s place of work. Let someone know who cares about you where you are and when you will be back. If at any point during the partnership do you feel uncomfortable – let us know.

Student Mentee Induction Giving your feedback • • Collected half way and at the end of the partnership Specific and constructive Balance negative with positive Personalise your comments e. g. “I liked…”

Student Mentee Induction Questions