1. What can Mentoring
Do For You?
Jim Roche
31 January 2009
A Presentation to
The PSU Triangle
Fraternity
2. Overview
Mentoring Defined
Who’s involved?
Answering the question
Another view on the answers
Selecting a Mentor
Why would anyone want to be your
mentor?
Mentoring Opportunities at PSU
3. Mentoring Defined
Is a personal enhancement strategy through
which one person facilitates the development
of another by sharing known resources,
expertise, values, skills, perspectives, attitudes
and proficiencies.
Allows the learner to build skills and knowledge
while attaining his/her development goals.
Conversely, it provides the opportunity for the
experienced party to further enhance his/her
skill and knowledge areas by continuously
reassessing and building upon those areas.
4. Who’s involved?
Mentoring relationships typically involve
two to five people:
A mentee or two who wish to develop
specific learning areas and,
Mentors at different career levels who
fulfill the role of expert for those
particular learning areas.
Simplest variation of the above is a
mentor and mentee.
5. Answering the question
Mentees may become involved in a mentoring
relationship to:
• Improve a particular career area
• Learn about another division of the company
• Explore their potential in development areas yet
untapped
• Acquaint themselves with the company if they are new
hires
• Expand their leadership abilities
• Make valuable contacts for the future
• Enhance opportunities for career advancement
• Develop an area of technical expertise
• Learn and grow professionally
6. Another view
on the answers
Benefits for Mentees:
• Insight into the pros and cons of various
career options and paths.
• Increased self-awareness and self-discipline.
• An expanded personal network.
• Support in the transition to a new role or
location.
• Sounding board for testing ideas and plans.
• Positive and constructive feedback on
professional and personal development
areas.
• Accelerated training and development.
7. Selecting a Mentor
Look for someone that can help you
identify gaps in your skills.
Someone that will help you with a
learning plan.
TRIANGLE
Online
Resources
8. Some important qualities to look
for in a mentee might be that s/he:
• has a desire to grow in an area that interests
you.
• possesses a learning attitude.
• has a genuine interest in being helped by
you.
• has the potential and time to be proactive.
• is trustworthy, non-judgmental, ethical and
self-confident.
• is a good listener.
9. Mentoring Opportunities
at PSU
PSMNE Program
http://www.me.psu.edu/Alumni/PSMES/Mentor.
html
Penn State Alumni Program
http://www.alumni.psu.edu/get_involved/mento
r/default.htm
LionLink is a professional networking program
that links Penn State students and alumni with
alumni volunteer Career Coaches. Career
Coaches provide valuable information and advice
on jobs and careers to Career Explorers.
