Those who mentor youths can help them improve academic performance, gain structure, and potentially identify possible career options. Good mentors might help the young people under their tutelage attain these goals by engaging in activities such as:
Planning Exercises Before partaking in the mentoring process, many mentors yearn to get a better idea of what the young people they will be serving hope to gain from the relationship. Therefore, a mentor might request that youths in question perform planning exercises such as authoring a vision statement clarifying their expectations. Doing this can give the mentor a place to start a discussion with the young person about their future goals and how to reach them.
Fun Events A mentor-mentee relationship should not merely be about business. Good mentors often share a personal relationship with their mentee(s). Personal relationships can be built through enjoying each other’s company at enjoyable events, including but not limited to restaurant visits or attendance at sporting events. In some cases, these types of events may make up the bulk of the time mentors and mentees spend together. Doing fun activities together can build trust and a willingness to communicate openly.
Contact Building After gaining a better understanding of the mentee’s personal or professional goals, a working relationship can be established. A mentor might introduce their mentee to individuals who might be of service to them at present or in the future. Individuals who currently work in a field of interest to the mentee can share the path they took to get where they are. They can also give the mentee an idea of the positive and negative aspects of that particular career path.
Horizon Broadening Effective mentors often help broaden the horizons of their mentees. This means introducing the young people in question to new activities. Doing activities that might help them meet new people, expand their knowledge base, or expose them to different cultures are excellent opportunities for growth. Youths benefit from exposure to other cultures by gaining new perspectives. Encouraging a young person to reach beyond their comfort zone in a safe and caring environment can help them gain self-confidence.
Resume Building Mentors can assist their mentees in resume creation and authoring. As an essential document for anyone seeking employment, a mentor can explain the pertinent information to include in a resume. The mentor can also provide tips on how to present such information professionally.
Volunteer Mentors could demonstrate the importance of community involvement by encouraging their mentees to accompany them on volunteering excursions. Volunteering can not only stimulate a youth’s civic and community participation but illustrate the importance of giving their time and efforts to persons in need.
Provide Counsel Certain young people might have a difficult time expressing themselves or may exhibit a reluctance to speak about personal matters with parents or teachers. Effective mentors often promote an open door policy enabling their mentees to discuss any topics of concern. In these instances, the mentee can benefit from having someone who has had a similar experience or background. Providing a safe place for a young person to express their feelings can allow them to process their emotions. Mentors can listen and provide counsel on healthy coping strategies.
Mentoring can be a very fulfilling activity. You don’t have to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a wealthy philanthropist to make a difference. It’s well worth the time to have a positive impact on the life of another person.