Akpsi Professional Mentoring

Copyright © 2014 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Rev 5058-CO900E

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Professional Mentoring

Hannah Abode-IyamahRockwell AutomationGlobal Sales & MarketingWebinar Project Leader

Copyright © 2014 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.PUBLIC INFORMATION

Let’s Discuss Why

Professional mentors are important in any line of business. Networking is the key to success when entering your desired field, and advancing with (or without) that company.

Obtaining a professional mentor not only gives you another reference to draw upon, but can be a source of endless opportunities when that relationship has been adequately nurtured.

Learning to build business relationships is an important skill. Learning to keep those relationships is an even more important skill to master.


How Do You Do It?

Through research and personal experience, I have determined

there are 10 steps to finding and utilizing a mentor:

1. Self Examination

2. Create a Mentor Profile

3. Create a Wide Search

4. Make Clear Intentions

5. Don’t Limit Yourself

6. What’s Their Benefit

7. Be Motivated

8. Implement Advice

9. Show Gratitude

10. Keep Tabs


Mentors ARE NOT there to supply you with an internship. This is a common misconception by students who are just beginning to step foot into the

professional world. If your mentor happens to know of openings or positions, that is great, but that should not be something you lead with- nurture your

relationship before you ask for recommendations, jobs or otherwise.

Self Examination

Take a look at yourself before you reach out to someone for help.

What are the reasons you would like a mentor What are your strengths and weaknesses Develop a list of overall goals you want out of the relationship Is there a specific skill (or otherwise) you would like to get more versed on Do you need career path advise


Creating Your Mentor Profile

In creating your mentor profile, you want to be as specific as possible. You want to make sure this person is of value to your professional development,

and not someone to just small talk with.

What are the qualities or specifics you would like to have in a mentor? Is this person in the same field you are interested in? Is this person young/old What skill sets do they possessWhere do they workWhat is their position

Try to think of an ideal person, like Steve Jobs, or another person you look up to. What does he possess

that you would like to find in an attainable mentor?


Create a Wide Search

Make sure that your search for a mentor is broad enough to deliver results. There are several ways to search for mentors such as:

1. Utilize your parents/family friends 2. Reach out to Career Services3. Speak to faculty members4. Utilize LinkedIn5. Network with your alumni6. Check for formal programs


Make Clear Intentions Be clear with your potential mentor about the

relationship you hope to create. Being clear upfront will save you headache and stress later on.

Let your mentor know: Your goals/objectives How often you would like to meet/talk How you think they would be of help How you can be of benefit to them Possibly how you see the relationship

progressing

You can build rapport with this potential mentor by meeting them face to face for 15-30 minutes over coffee. In this meeting you should come prepared with relevant questions that should be a determination of whether or not you two will be a good match.


Don’t Limit Yourself

Who says you can’t have more than one mentor?

In fact, many people who engage in mentoring have more than one mentor, or mentor more than one

student/graduate/employee. Go after more than one person if those people each can provide

you with separate and beneficial relationships. You never know

who might help you in your career.


What’s Their Benefit

Why should this business professional take so much time out of their life to help you?

Most of the time if a mentor reaches out to you, or is in a formal program, they are just looking to give back. However, when you are reaching out to someone to help you, make it worth their while.

Play up your accomplishments and where you want to go with your career Identify reasons you could help them (leveraging social media, working

with millennial employees etc.) Be vocal about your ideas on how you can help in return Detail how much you would appreciate their help in furthering your career Stroke their ego… play up their own accomplishments and how you aspire

to do similar things The worst thing they can say is NO.


Be Motivated

Show real enthusiasm and ambition to excel. If a mentor feels like they are wasting their time on a lost cause, they will end the relationship

Do not make your meetings a pity party about how you can’t nail an interview or how you don’t know where to go in life Show drive and dedication to your field of study Know what you are talking about, research! Talk about what progress you are making If you aren’t making progress, outline your process and ask for help Leaders want to know they are influencing others to become leaders…

talk about the impact you are making using their advice


Implement Advice

Take their advice seriously Even if they say something you have

not heard of, or are unsure, ask for more explanation or do your own research before acting

If your mentor is doing well in their field, it pays to listen to what got them there

Replication is the strongest form of flattery, but don’t become their mini-me. Implement their advice in ways that set you apart. Modify suggestions to your own circumstances- become a better professional with their words of wisdom in mind


Show Gratitude

Be polite and professional. A simple Thank You goes a long way


Keep Tabs

You don’t have to stop communication as soon as you get a job, or your program ends. The point of having a mentor is to maintain that professional

relationship as you advance. Keep in touch Nurture the relationship Send updates with your job search Keep them informed of relevant parts of your life At this point you should have built rapport with this person, and keeping in

touch will only show your appreciation for them, and help to continue the relationship

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Akpsi Professional Mentoring

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