Written by Ulfa Ismail
According to a 2019 Forbes article, 76% of people think that mentorships are important. However, only 36% actually have a mentor. This raises the question, what is it about mentorship programs that make them in such high demand?
Mentees Receive Personalized Advice
Mentorship programs serve as a unique opportunity for aspiring youth to explore their future plans. Generally a daunting endeavour, reflecting on one’s goals with an experienced mentor allows mentees to think critically about said goals. The mentor-mentee dynamic allows for mentees to speak openly and receive personalized advice which may not have been available to them otherwise.
Learn the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Within a mentorship, mentees are able to gain a realistic understanding of what to expect as their careers develop. Lesser-known aspects of professional and academic life, such as the hardships and challenges, are explained in an honest yet non-dramatized manner. With this, mentees are able to pursue a career within their desired field with a realistic understanding of what that may entail.
Network With Valuable People
Networking is essential to community-building and securing future opportunities. In fact, 80% of professionals report that networking is essential to their career success. Within a mentorship program, mentees are given the opportunity to make valuable connections with mentors who have already succeeded in their fields. For aspiring youth, connecting with mentors can open the door to future internship and career opportunities.
Bringing Communities Together
With networking, there also comes the opportunity to become a part of a community. Through mentorship programs, mentees learn more about the local initiatives and projects of those working in their desired field. This can spark interest and thus increase the youth’s involvement in community initiatives related to their interests.
What could be better than a mentee helping their community while also helping themselves?
Grow Confident in Personal Goals
Planning one’s future meticulously, while worrying about what could potentially go wrong, is a common experience amongst aspiring youth.
Mentorship programs allow mentees to further develop their goals with someone who can provide valuable feedback based on experience. With this exchange, it’s no surprise that 87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered and develop greater confidence over the course of their relationship. In order to empower the next generation of leaders and professionals, it is essential that the youth have access to mentors who can serve as educators and guides.