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