Mentoring

Mentoring is a supportive learning relationship between two people – usually referred to as a mentor and a mentee.

 Mentors support you by listening to you, drawing on their professional and personal experience, and providing information and encouragement where appropriate. A mentor would normally be a colleague more senior than you, and they may have followed a career pathway that interests you or have faced similar challenges to those you are facing. Alternatively, they may be a peer with skills or knowledge in a particular area which you’re interested in understanding more about.

Common topics for mentoring conversations include:

  1. Skill development: Mentors share their knowledge and experiences, offering insights that help mentees improve job-related skills, from technical abilities through to interpersonal communication.
  2. Career guidance: Mentors help mentees navigate the complexities of career paths, offering advice on professional growth opportunities and strategic career moves.
  3. Networking: Mentors introduce mentees to professional networks, increasing their visibility and access to opportunities within and beyond their current workplace.
  4. Personal development: Mentoring often includes developing skills such as confidence, resilience, and adaptability, important for personal and career growth.
  5. Goal setting and achievement: Mentors assist mentees in setting realistic goals and developing strategies to achieve them, providing accountability and motivation.
  6. Feedback and reflection: Regular feedback from mentors allows mentees to reflect on their progress and areas needing improvement, building a mindset of continuous learning.

The staff mentoring system Platform One is no longer available. While the University explores alternatives for facilitating effective mentor matches, you may find the resources on this page helpful. 

Introduction to mentoring

Information for mentees

Information for mentors

Mentoring toolkit