The Power of Professional Mentorship

Throughout our career journeys, there are undoubtedly people who positively influence our development as professionals. These mentors can inspire us to strive for greatness, guide us through challenges, and push us beyond our perceived limitations. While I’ve had brief periods of time working in more individualized roles, I've been fortunate to spend most of my career as a member of high-quality teams. Following a recent professional accomplishment that I feel extremely thankful for, I’ve found myself reflecting on the numerous mentors that have helped me in my career – with three standing out as the bedrock of my development over the past decade.

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My first mentor, similar to my older brothers that I’ve always tried to impress, possesses an aura of knowledge, brilliance, and experience that is nothing short of remarkable. Whenever I encountered professional uncertainties or challenges, I would quickly turn to him for guidance. While hoping for straightforward answers, he instead consistently empowered me to trust my instincts - nudging me to seek solutions within myself. His refusal to give me direct answers was initially maddening! However, in the end, I can see that his encouragement has helped me to become more independent in my own problem-solving strategies. Deep down, I’m always going to try to make him proud, but I also know that finding my own solutions is what will give us both the greatest sense of shared satisfaction.

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My second mentor, naturally being a little ‘too-cool-for-school’, has always impressed me with the grandeur of his vision. Never settling for the status quo, when he’s given a little room for growth, his ideas burst forth into impactful opportunities for his students. These traits have also influenced me, when on multiple occasions he’s challenged me to transcend my self-imposed limitations. Wrestling with feelings of inadequacy is not new to me! (and likely many others in helping professions). Regardless, with gentle prompting, this mentor has always encouraged me to aim higher - pushing me towards professional development opportunities I never envisioned. His unwavering belief in my capabilities has fueled my growth, demonstrating the transformative power of genuine support and encouragement. I now keep the advice he gave me on hand to share with others, “We all need people who believe in us, sometimes even more than we believe in ourselves.”

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My third mentor, embodying the essence of selflessness, epitomizes the art of giving. Never taking credit for successes, he consistently highlights the contributions of those around him – always helping to put others on the pedestal of praise. His work ethic is second-to-none, and he wholeheartedly invests himself to make a positive impact on each person he interacts with. His genuine care for others, coupled with an infectious sense of humor, has imparted invaluable lessons to me about the importance of compassion and levity in the workplace. It’s natural for many of us to take things far too seriously in the workplace – however, with this mentor, a laugh and a listening ear were always around the corner. His generosity of spirit serves as a constant reminder to me that genuine connections and kindness can transcend professional boundaries.

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While these mentors have been instrumental in my journey, they represent only a fraction of the influential figures I've encountered in my professional life. From the start of my career, with Mrs. England, to the present day, with Mr. McDonald, I’ve been utterly spoiled with wonderful colleagues. The collective impact of these individuals underscores the transformative power of mentorship, and it’s the desire of my heart to pay forward the invaluable lessons they’ve shared with me.

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With all that being said, I’m also mindful that not everyone has been fortunate enough to have similar positive experiences! For example, some of you may find yourself working independently or in small offices – while others may be navigating toxic working environments. No matter where you find yourself in your career journey, I encourage you to think through ways that you can get plugged into professional mentoring.

I’ve included a list of mentoring ideas for further research at the bottom of this article, but as a starting place, I highly recommend professionals on either side of the counseling/admissions desk to check out the: The International ACAC Mentor Year Program!

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In closing, I invite you to reflect on the mentors who have played pivotal roles in your own personal and professional journey. Tag them, honor them, and express gratitude for the profound impact they've had on shaping who you are today!

Thanks Lucien Giordano , Luke Devlin, Hyuk Sang Son , & Many More

10 Mentorship Ideas

Formal Mentorship Programs: Many organizations, educational institutions, and professional associations offer formal mentorship programs. These programs typically pair mentees with experienced professionals in their field who provide guidance, advice, and support. (such as The International ACAC Mentor Year Program )

Informal Networking: Building relationships through networking events, conferences, and industry meetups can lead to informal mentorship opportunities. Mentors may emerge naturally from these connections, offering guidance and advice based on their own experiences.

Online Platforms: There are numerous online platforms dedicated to professional mentorship, such as LinkedIn, MentorCruise, and The Muse. These platforms connect mentees with mentors based on industry, expertise, and career goals.

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Professional Organizations: Joining professional organizations, such as International ACAC , NACAC , IC3 Movement , ISCA , ASCA , AIELOC , CIS , etc., can provide access to mentorship opportunities. Many of these organizations offer mentorship programs, networking events, and resources to support career development.

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Alumni Networks: Leveraging alumni networks from educational institutions or previous employers can be an excellent way to find mentors who have shared experiences and understand your career trajectory.

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Peer Mentorship: Peer mentorship involves forming relationships with colleagues or peers who may be at a similar career stage. While they may not have as much experience as more senior mentors, peer mentors can offer valuable insights and support based on their own experiences.

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Industry Conferences and Workshops: Attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars provides opportunities to meet professionals who could potentially become mentors. Engaging in conversations and participating in networking events at these gatherings can lead to mentorship connections.

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Executive Coaching Services: For individuals in leadership positions or seeking specialized guidance, executive coaching services offer personalized mentorship and professional development tailored to specific goals and challenges.

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Online Communities and Forums: Participating in online communities and forums related to your industry or profession can facilitate mentorship connections. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and specialized forums often have experienced professionals willing to offer advice and mentorship to others.

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Reverse Mentorship: Sometimes, mentorship can flow in unexpected directions. Younger or less experienced individuals may offer valuable insights, particularly in areas such as technology or social media, where they may have more expertise than their older counterparts.