A relationship through which an experienced person, or mentor, counsels and supports a less experienced person, a mentee, to help them develop professionally and personally is known as mentorship. While the practice is beneficial for all involved, research shows that Indigenous students and professionals who have a mentor, typically experience increased perseverance and success. Here’s a breakdown of what contributes to a positive mentor–mentee relationship.
Know Yourself
Before starting a mentorship, there are things to consider for both sides. If you’re seeking a mentor, first identify your career goals and areas where you struggle or need guidance. Ask yourself what you’d like to gain from the relationship. Are there specific skills or knowledge you hope to learn from your mentor? Are you looking for advice on how to navigate a particular challenge? And don’t forget to recognize your own personality and the mentoring style — coach, sounding board, subject matter expert — that will best resonate with you.
Likewise, if you’re interested in working with a mentee, understand the ways in which you can bring value to the relationship. What has your professional and life experience taught you? What skills and knowledge can you impart on your mentee? How much time can you commit to mentorship? And what kind of mentor do you want to be — coach, hands-on teacher, or sounding board? Once you know what you need and what you can offer, you’ll be able to find your counterpart.
Find a Match
So how do you go about becoming a mentor — or finding one for yourself? There are programs, including AISES’s Full-Circle Mentorship program, that help facilitate matching seasoned professionals with those finding their way in the field. But often there are people within your own network that are very willing to forge a mentor–mentee relationship.
Colleagues, supervisors, or contacts outside the workplace are great resources. Ask them for recommendations for either professionals who are in the role you’re interested in pursuing or young people who are looking for a mentor. You could also attend industry events, join professional organizations, and check out online outlets like LinkedIn to identify potential mentors and mentees. Once you identify a potential match, take time up front to discuss objectives, communication preferences, and timing so that your expectations are aligned.
Build Rapport
Just like any relationship, it’s important to strengthen your connection with your chosen mentor/mentee. The first step is to show respect and appreciation. Arrive to your meetings on time and prepared with a clear agenda, questions, and ideas. Pay attention to your mentor’s advice and feedback. Tear down your self-protective walls and share your progress, challenges, and concerns. As you progress in your mentorship, look for opportunities to contribute your own insights — it's a chance to help each other see things in new ways. Acknowledge and value the time you spend together.
Having a professional network is key at all levels. A mentor can help their mentee connect with others in their field or in similar industries. By serving as the connector, a mentor can provide mentees with a number of people who can support them on their professional journey, which is especially beneficial for young Native professionals.
ON TOPIC
Dr. Crystal Lepscier (Little Shell/Menominee/Stockbridge-Munsee)
Student Success Program Officer, AISES
At AISES, I work on the Student Success team as a program officer. My role includes supporting student members on their educational journeys. I plan and implement programming centered on Indigenous student development and supporting their growth by connecting them to resources in various fields of study. One of these programming elements includes our Full-Circle Mentorship program, offering even more one-on-one connection with professionals who can help AISES student members build relationships that can carry them into their future careers.
How can professionals get involved with Full Circle Mentorship and other AISES programs?
We are always looking for more professionals who may have interest to be involved in the Full-Circle Mentorship and other AISES programs. Many times, we have forms which help us match individuals with areas of interest specific to our programs. Navigating our AISES website, you may find many opportunities which are available. Anyone interested, though, can also simply email our group at studentsuccess@aises.org. We can easily connect and send more information specific to interests and skills. We have been so grateful for the connections we have made with professionals, hosting them for virtual student chats, AISES conference panels, and helping match them with students to mentor.
What are the top 3 tips you would share with professionals who are just starting to mentor (or words of encouragement for those who might be considering mentoring)?
- Share your experience and skills to help others succeed.
- Provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
- Make a lasting impact in someone's life.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I think volunteers and mentors make our organization what it is, encouraging connections, service, and community. Without all of the helpers, AISES would not be as amazing as it is! I am so thankful for the leaders out there who are willing to help guide our students, become their family, and make a difference in our commitment to Indigenous success in STEM.
