The Power of Mentoring
By Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe
14 January 2025
National Mentoring Month, celebrated every January, highlights the social impact that mentoring can have on both mentors and mentees. The month aims to inspire more people to get involved in mentoring, whether in education, business, or their local communities.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a supportive relationship where an experienced individual helps someone less experienced develop their skills and confidence. Anyone can be both a mentor and a mentee, offering guidance on a variety of topics and learning in return.
Why Mentor?
Mentoring provides a unique opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with someone on their career journey. As a mentor, you not only help others grow but also gain leadership skills, personal fulfilment and fresh perspectives. The process reinforces your own knowledge while allowing you to make a meaningful impact in someone else's life.
Why Find a Mentor?
As a mentee, you can benefit from career development, increased confidence and improved communication. You’ll learn from your mentor’s experiences, gain valuable insights and expand your professional network. Mentorship can empower you, helping you feel supported and motivated to reach your goals.
My Mentoring Journey
I’ve been a mentor for several years, which has been both rewarding and fulfilling. When I moved to the UK during the pandemic, I faced challenges understanding the job market. Thankfully, through the CIPR Mentorship Scheme, I found a mentor, Amanda Coleman, who guided me over several months. Her mentorship gave me the confidence to navigate a new professional environment. Today, I continue mentoring within the Civil Service.
How to Find a Mentor
Finding the right mentor is crucial. You can start by exploring mentoring schemes, like the CIPR Progress Mentoring Scheme, or identify someone in your network whom you admire and respect.
Mentoring is a powerful way to give back. If you have experience to share, consider becoming a mentor today.