How to Be an Effective Mentor: Insights from an ACS Canberra Mentoring Information Session

^Highlights

Tips & tricks that helps mentoring:

Setting the stage of sucess
Building connections and stranding out
Addressing systemic barriers
The role of mentorship
Listen and provide advice, give and receive feedback.

The session kicked off by emphasising the importance of guiding mentees through the process of career planning. Mentors play a crucial role in helping mentees not only identify their current position but also set long-term goals. One key takeaway was the need to think strategically about career moves. A timeline of two to three years in each role was suggested as optimal for demonstrating achievements. Mentees were encouraged to consider not just where they want to go, but also when they should make their moves.

The session underscored the significance of research in career advancement. Mentors should guide their mentees in thoroughly researching potential roles and understanding the landscape of their desired career paths. This includes identifying upcoming job opportunities within their department, knowing who the key decision-makers are, and building connections with those individuals.

Building Connections and Standing Out

A substantial part of the session was devoted to strategies mentees can use to stand out in a competitive job market. It was recommended that mentees engage directly with points of contact listed in job advertisements, as this can help them be remembered when their application is reviewed. Additionally, researching the selection panel and understanding their backgrounds can provide valuable insights that can be used to tailor applications and interviews.

The importance of customising applications and CVs for each specific job was highlighted. A one-size-fits-all approach to job applications was deemed inadequate. Mentors were encouraged to help their mentees craft applications that align closely with the specific requirements and expectations of the roles they are targeting.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

One of the most poignant parts of the session addressed the concept of "ceilings" that many mentees face in their careers. These can be technical ceilings, where career progression is halted due to a perceived lack of skills, or more insidious barriers such as racism and ethnic discrimination. The session didn’t shy away from these difficult topics, urging mentors to openly discuss and address these issues with their mentees.

The term "bamboo ceiling" was used to describe the barriers faced by individuals from ethnic minorities in predominantly white, male-dominated organisations. Mentors were encouraged to support their mentees in overcoming these challenges by acknowledging them, discussing them openly, and strategising ways to navigate or break through these barriers.

The Role of Mentorship

Throughout the session, it was clear that effective mentorship is about more than just giving advice—it’s about asking the right questions, listening, and helping mentees find their own answers. Mentors were reminded that their role is not to provide all the solutions but to guide mentees as they work through their challenges and make informed decisions about their careers.

The session concluded on a reflective note, as the speaker acknowledged the value of mentorship in their own life and the difference it could have made earlier in their career. This sentiment served as a powerful reminder of the impact that mentors can have on the lives of their mentees.

Get ready to listen and provide advice, give and receive feedback: Start to access the online resources available to you as a member of ACS.

Conclusion

The ACS Canberra event provided valuable insights into the art of mentorship, emphasising the importance of strategic career planning, building connections, and addressing systemic barriers. By asking the right questions and offering guidance, mentors can help their mentees navigate the complexities of their careers and achieve their professional goals.

Read "How-to Guide for Mentors" based on insights from Peter Lambert's mentoring experience. Contact ACS Canberra acs.canb@acs.org.au if you wish to find out more about the Mentoring Program.

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