TM Newsletter

A Message from our Senior Director

Participating in a training course is a great way to develop a skill, but it isn’t the only way to do so. This release of the Talent Management newsletter highlights the benefits of mentorship in supporting professional development.

A Professional Development Opportunity

Participating in a mentoring relationship can be a valuable experience for both the mentor and mentee. Effective mentoring fosters both professional and personal development, leading to an enhanced sense of belonging and increased productivity in the workplace. At Penn State, we are fortunate to belong to a community rich in knowledge and experience across a wide range of topics. Engaging in mentorship allows individuals to tap into the expertise of their colleagues, while mentors have the chance to gain new insights and contribute positively to the Penn State Community.

Every mentoring engagement is unique and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the mentee. Factors such as employee type, job responsibilities, career development goals, and experience level influence how mentorships are structured. These relationships can focus on developing specific skills or behaviors, supporting the onboarding of new employees, or assisting with transitions to new roles. Mentoring engagements can be either short-term or long-term in duration. Furthermore, the mentoring relationship consists of ongoing conversations that occur over time, allowing the mentee to address real-time, real-world questions and situations with their mentor as they arise.

As a mentee, it may not be feasible to find a single person who can mentor you in all areas, depending on your development objectives. It’s perfectly acceptable to have multiple mentors. On the other hand, as a mentor, it is essential for you to be transparent and honest about your areas of expertise. Mentors are not expected to be experts in everything. If a topic or situation arises outside your area of expertise, the best approach may be to connect the mentee with someone in your network who is better suited to address the topic.

If you are considering mentorship, it is important to understand that a successful mentoring relationship requires commitment and open communication from both parties. Taking the time at the beginning to discuss expectations will lead to a more fulfilling experience for everyone involved. The mentee should clearly articulate their objectives for the mentorship, remain open to feedback, and come prepared for each conversation. Similarly, the mentor should define their areas of expertise, establish and respect the boundaries of the relationship, and be available to support the mentee. Being clear about objectives at the start of the engagement will help prevent misunderstandings later.

At Penn State, we’re dedicated to fostering a culture that supports mentorship across all employee types. Visit our website to learn more about mentoring and how to get started.