CIEP - Become A Mentor
Mentoring is an exploratory experience that establishes a relationship between a professional in a chosen field, and a youth who intends to develop a career in the same/similar field.
On Co-op's Mentor Program, part of the Co-operative Internship Experience Program (CIEP) allows youth to get advice, guidance and coaching from a professional working in the same organization as the Intern. The Mentor will assist Interns and provide support and other resources as they progress in their Internship, and begin to make plans for the management of their new careers. Mentors are selected by co-op organizations which host co-op Interns.
THE BENEFITS OF MENTORING
It's a win-win situation. Here are some benefits that a mentor and his/her organization can expect: Develop relationships with today's young adults; help them develop good working skills; personal growth for the mentor as they work with a new person and help them to learn, grow and experience; the feeling of helping a young person as they move into the working world; and a potential permanent staff-member at the end of the internship.
THE DURATION OF THE MENTORSHIP
The time line for the Mentorship generally corresponds to the length of the Co-operative Internship Experience Program (CIEP). Ultimately, though, the youth and the mentor may determine the length. This partnership is designed to be flexible as possible to meet the needs of both partners.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The youth and the professional would work together to decide the best way to fulfill their Mentorship experience. The mentor initiates the first meeting, where goals, objectives and the parameters of the mentoring relationship are discussed and agreed to.
The youth and the mentor meet on a regular basis via phone, email or in person. The mentor may invite the youth to sit on on
work-related meetings, planning sessions or other initiatives related to the mentor's field.
The Mentoring Program generally focuses on education, career and work-related issues. There may be a chance that life-issues could surface, and it is up to the mentor to decide how to choose to deal with this.
AM I SUITABLE TO BE A MENTOR?
Many times in our careers, we may have acted as mentors and not realized it. For example, assisting new employees or providing advice for tasks they are not familiar with are characteristics of being a mentor. If, upon looking back, you realize that you have already accomplished some of the tasks of a mentor, you are probably ready to formalize your role as a Mentor.
By expressing understanding and interest in the careers of young people, one can develop a lasting relationship that may guide a bright young person's future.
