Benefits of Having a Mentor
A successful collegiate mentor or mentorship program could be the difference between a student who graduates top of their class and someone who drops out of school after 1 or 2 bad semesters. Having that support system is everything sometimes. They provide a variety of resources and information on how to navigate through college, point you in the right direction of scholarships, make credible recommendations for decisions after college, and can hold you accountable whenever you feel like you’ve reached a rough spot. Mentors are also instrumental in career planning and development. Their entire purpose and focus is to help students develop their interests both professionally and academically to help them succeed before, during, and after their higher education journey is complete.
Surely, the benefits of having a mentor are numerous and plentiful, but what are the primary, most important aspects of having a mentor and what does it mean for the development of a successful student and ultimately, professional?
Invaluable Networking Resources
College and all that it has to offer, is much more than just an educationally beneficial opportunity. Mentors are key instruments in guiding students through the process. Whether it’s connecting with people on LinkedIn, giving advice about how to answer questions for an interview, or even informing students on campus events such as job fairs or internship opportunities, mentors literally cover all bases. They also have access to resources from their own networking experiences that they can provide to students whenever there is a common interest or skill.
Unbiased Disciplinarians
A good mentor, no matter what will keep you on track and make sure that their opinions and ideas do not interfere with your plans. At the same time, they will also let you know when you’re a little off track or way off the mark. Mentors also establish necessary boundaries that students often struggle to set for themselves. Prioritization assistance, clarification at any capacity, and mistake prevention are among some of the ways in which mentors are able to discipline students. As a result of this type of assistance, students are significantly more likely to succeed throughout the duration of their college careers.
Wellsprings of Knowledge
Mentors are humans too. They have knowledge and experience from their own lives they can impart upon students who may be following a similar path; and even in cases when students are following a different path, they still have knowledge that they can offer. All their experiences with college, professional experiences, and even with life in general can all aid a student who may need a little direction or guidance.
Resources & Information
So, by now you must be wondering, where can I find a good mentor where I will be able to have access to all these wonderful benefits? Secondary Success and Beyond can provide you with these types of services. For more information on where to find a mentor, use the contact us form located at the bottom of this page. We'll make sure that we get you all squared away with a mentor ready to get you on the right path.
Written by Kameron Brown, Journalism and Marketing student at NIU
References
Dougan, Kate Pankratz. “3 Benefits of Having a Mentor in College.” CHALLENGE. ENCOURAGE. ENTERTAIN., 2 Jan. 2018, https://thatcommoncommunity.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/3-benefits-of-having-a-mentor-in-college/.
Rampton, John. “10 Reasons Why a Mentor Is a Must.” Inc.com, Inc., 9 Jan. 2016, https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/10-reasons-why-a-mentor-is-a-must.html.
Sewell, Vanessa, et al. “4 Benefits of Having a Mentor in College.” The University Network, 4 Mar. 2019, https://www.tun.com/blog/4-benefits-of-having-a-mentor-in-college/#:~:text=4%20Benefits%20of%20Having%20a%20Mentor%20in%20College.,You%20Post-Graduation%20Guidance.%204%204.%20Support%20You.%20.
