Mentoring is a one-to-one relationship based on encouragement, constructive feedback, openness, mutual trust, respect, and a willingness to learn and share. Mentoring typically exists between a more experienced employee (sometimes, but not necessarily, a supervisor) and a less experienced employee or student. The goal of mentoring a student is to transfer skills, knowledge and experiences. The relationship benefits students (mentees) by helping them to develop new skills and interests, career paths and a larger network. The mentor can benefit by giving back to the organization, and building capacity and leadership skills. 

The mentor serves as a role model, a cheerleader and a counsellor to the student. The following are some mentor responsibilities:

• Helping the student set long-term career goals and short-term learning objectives
• Helping the student understand the organizational culture
• Recommending and/or creating learning opportunities
• Transferring knowledge in areas such as communication, critical thinking, responsibility, flexibility, and teamwork
• Pointing out strengths and areas for development
• Answering any questions
• Providing guidance on personal matters such as apartment hunting for out-of-town students
• Being available to support the student in an employment search after their studies are completed.

For more information on mentoring and the benefits to both students and employers see the Government of Canada’s Guide to Mentoring Students.