Manitoba Civil Service Commission

Role for Mentors

As Communicators, mentors

• encourage two-way exchange of information
• listen to intern's career concerns and counsel accordingly
• create an environment for open interaction

As Counsellors, mentors

• work with interns to identify and understand career-related skills, interests and values
• help interns evaluate appropriateness of career goals
• counsel in times of personal crisis and problems if interns request advice

As Coaches, mentors

• help clarify professional and development goals and objectives
• clarify and communicate organizational goals and objectives
• recommend specific behaviours in which the intern needs improvement
• serve as a role model to demonstrate successful professional behaviours

As Advisors, mentors

• communicate formal and informal realities of progression in the organization
• recommend training and development opportunities from which the intern could benefit
• recommend appropriate strategies for career direction

As Resource Persons, mentors

• identify resources to help the intern with specific problems
• expand the intern's network of professional contacts

As Advocates, mentors

• may intervene on the intern's behalf, representing the intern's concerns to higher levels for resolution on specific issues
• arrange for the intern to participate in high-visibility activities with or outside the organization
• promote mentoring across the organization