If you’re pretty far into your career, you’ve most likely had help from someone else in one sense or another. Maybe someone put you forward for your first job, or perhaps you were in a mentorship programme. Chances at some point, you might find yourself doing the same for someone else.

It can be both exciting and confusing to help someone on their journey. Do you need mentor training? What are the qualities of being a good mentor? What exactly is a mentor?

We’ve answered two of the most commonly asked questions and provided three tips on succeeding as a mentor.

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What is a mentor?

A work-related mentor is an industry professional who advises, builds confidence, and helps others with their career progression. The intention behind a mentorship programme is that the mentor’s experience and knowledge will assist a mentee with their professional development and guide them onto the right path.

Your career journey can help motivate and direct others, and by being a mentor, you can leave a lasting impression by passing down knowledge and providing inspiration.

How effective are mentorships?

Mentoring programmes are incredibly effective, with Mentorloop stating that:

“Recent studies have shown that as many as 75% of millennials deem mentoring critical to their success — while around 75% of executives credit their mentors with helping them achieve their success.”

The experience can substantially alter an individual’s and organisation’s life, with many mentors and mentees forming long-term relationships. It’s marvellous how simple words and actions can leave a lasting impact (or even a legacy).

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How To Be A Good Mentor

Many traits make someone a good mentor. However, it’s not just about what you bring to the table — it’s how you work with your mentee. Here are our three tips to help you on your way to being a successful mentor:

Set goals together - What does your mentee want to achieve? Where would they like to progress to? What do they want you to focus on? First, find out what they want to get out of the mentorship, then set some goals together. Doing this ensures everyone is on the same page, that you know how best to support them, and that the conversation is not one-sided.
Listen first, advise second - You could be the best of the best in your field, but you can’t just deliver all you know to the mentee’s doorstep and carry on with your day. So listen to what they’re saying — they might be looking for guidance rather than insight. Who knows, they might even have a perspective you haven’t considered yet.
Be accountable - If your mentee can’t trust you, you’re not going to build a good relationship. Accountability is key to a successful connection, so ensure there are consequences if one of you fails to deliver. However, always be diplomatic when addressing concerns — you don’t want to offend the other accidentally!

Are you inspired to become a mentor?

SIC is looking for industry professionals in digital roles to join our new mentorship programme. We’ll match you up with one of our trainees (whether they’re in a paid or voluntary position) whose career aspirations align with your experience.

Click the link here to head to our Become A Mentor page, where you can find more information on what being a mentor with SIC is all about and to let us know if you’re interested in joining the programme!