While the Forestry Mentorship Program offers a backbone, resources, and events around which to build a mentoring relationship, the success of this Program lies with the mentor and mentee as individuals. From supporting with interview and resume preparation, hosting mentees for field visits, and connecting mentees with their network, the mentor serves as a critical resource for mentees. On the other side of the relationship, the mentee shows up ready to learn, ask questions, and fully utilize the resources presented to them.
Read on for additional insight into what it takes to be a mentor, what is expected of mentees, and some tips for building your mentor/mentee relationship.
Mentors
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MENTORS
- Commit time and energy to support a current student by providing mentorship based on a mutually developed communication agreement.
- Help the mentee identify their academic and professional goals.
- Give constructive feedback that can allow the mentee to grow personally and professionally.
- Assist the mentee in identifying how to access resources that will allow them to build a professional network.
- Promote skills development by providing a “workplace perspective” based on the mentee’s established goals and objectives.
- Encourage independence, an appreciation for differences, and reflect a positive attitude throughout the process.
- Share with mentee relevant job opportunities, forestry-related conferences, or educational talks/events.
- Communicate with the Steering Committee if they no longer wish to be part of the program or are having difficulties reaching or connecting with their mentee.
WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUR MENTEE
- Commit to participate as a mentor for a minimum of one academic year, with the hopes of forming a long-term relationship.
- Share progress, address concerns, or make suggestions for future Program improvements with Steering Committee.
- Meet with mentee at professional organizational gatherings (e.g., CA Women in Timber Mixers, Society of American Forester local chapter meeting, California Licensed Forester Association breakfast group meeting, Association of Fire Ecology).
- Introduce the mentee to professional networks where there are shared interests, values, or professional development opportunities.
- Invite mentee to field days or related activities.
- Assist mentee with job searches.
- Review mentee’s resume.
- Attend Program-related events with mentee and offer to discuss.
Resources for Mentors
- How to Be an Amazing Mentor: 12 Ways to Make a Positive Impact on Others
A quick website read with 12 tips to be a great mentor - Mentoring Guide for Career Services Professionals
A nine-page guide for mentors of young employees at the same company, but the basic principles are the same for any mentor/mentee relationship. - Overcoming Relationship Pitfalls
While this factsheet speaks specifically to younger mentorship roles, the basic principles are the same for any mentor relationship.
Mentees
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MENTEES
- Commit time and energy to develop a relationship with mentor based on a mutually developed communication agreement.
- Take consistent and professional communication seriously; respect and consider the fact that their mentor is volunteering time to support them.
- Consult mentor for support and professional resources.
- Be open and committed to the mentoring process, and ask meaningful questions about their mentor’s career path and decision-making.
- Accept feedback and learn from it, and implement new knowledge into their academic and professional habits.
- Have realistic expectations of the mentoring relationship, understanding that networking does not always end with a job offer or other tangible takeaway.
- Communicate with the Steering Committee if they no longer wish to be part of the Program or are having difficulties reaching or connecting with their mentor.
WAYS TO BEST UTILIZE YOUR MENTOR
- Commit to participate as a mentee for a minimum of one academic year, with the hopes of forming a long-term relationship.
- Share progress, address concerns, or make suggestions for future Program improvements with Student Representative.
- As mentor about the organizational gatherings they attend, and utilize Program funding to participate (e.g., CA Women in Timber Mixers, Society of American Forester local chapter meeting, California Licensed Forester Association breakfast group meeting, Association of Fire Ecology).
- Actively seek additional network opportunities outside of mentoring relationship.
- Request mentor assistance with resume review, job searches, and additional career insights.
- Be open to feedback and respectful of mentor’s time and capacity; understand that they are volunteering to help you!