Session Outline

Mentoring is not a foreign concept in higher education. It is a necessary practice to help in the development of our talent from undergraduate pupils through senior administration on our campuses. Through NACADA and other professional associations, academic advisors, tutors and administrators have taken part in programming at local, regional, national and international programs to gain new perspectives on their careers. Learn more about how you could find a mentor whether you are looking for a short-term or long-term professional relationship to give you support and advice, even the most difficult of times (including a global pandemic).

The session will highlight that finding a mentor in higher education might be easier than one thinks. Potential mentors are sometimes very apparent, but just as often they are the result of unexpected situations. Some mentoring relationships start with brief informal communications, some develop over time as one works with a professional during an undergraduate or graduate experience. The key in finding a mentor is taking the first step by making it a goal and then remaining open to opportunities to help you find the right individual. Don’t be shy about asking if they would be open and willing to serve as your mentor. The second important step is to define what the relationship will entail and how you will stay connected.

Maintaining the mentoring relationship can prove difficult. Higher education professionals are very busy and often working different schedules, but emailing, scheduled phone conversations, video chats and in-person meetings are helpful ways to communicate. The true test of a mentoring relationship is flexibility and a commitment to finding opportunities to connect and discuss personal and professional goals, accomplishments, and challenges. A mentor is a wonderful sounding board for new ideas and strategies for one’s next steps for career mobility. Mentoring is a two-way street; both partners have to be willing to commit and share thoughts, feedback, lessons, career triumphs, and hicc-ups.

Professional mentoring is a great way to get connected, provide for your professional development, and nurture a new friendship! The session will encourage participants to seek mentorship and to consider mentoring others. Pairing established professionals with new talent can provide new developmental opportunities allowing for growth within our institutions and professional associations. Join the session for a fun look at mentoring and just as you might approach mentoring, come to the session prepared to laugh, frown, cheer, celebrate, and plan your next mentoring steps!