Mentoring shapes young minds

Young graduates are receiving a helping hand from experienced members of the workforce, providing a kick-start to their careers.

Mentoring programs offer students and recent graduates rare access to experienced members of the industries in which they plan to work – and even can lead to job opportunities.

Many companies wanting to nurture their own talent are involving young employees in mentoring programs.

Parallax Design senior designer Kellie Campbell took the first step on her career through a mentoring program run by the Australian Graphic Design Association.

She says the benefits were so profound that she now runs the mentoring program on behalf of the association.

“I came across it when I was in my final year at university, applied for it, got paired with a design studio and spent the year meeting with them regularly and learning from them, just like Parallax does now,” she says.

“That gave me the confidence to get out there and approach studios with my portfolio.

“I felt like I was ready to go because the mentoring program had prepared me.”

Ms Campbell says the mentoring program not only instils confidence but also provides networking opportunities. “It’s not just confidence that it gives you though; it’s also being known,” she says.

“Nobody is going to employ you unless you’re out there pounding the pavement.

“I felt like I owed a lot to that experience so I now run the program for AGDA and get to see the next wave of graduates coming through.”

Parallax Design creative director Matthew Remphrey also is heavily involved in mentoring programs externally and within the company.

HLB Mann Judd marketing director David Dercho, a personal branding and networking consultant, says the benefits of mentoring are not limited to the mentee.

“There are obvious benefits for the person being mentored but also benefits for the mentor as well and I think that often gets overlooked,” he says. “A lot of senior people in the business community don’t often get the opportunity to pass down their skills.”

Mr Dercho says it is important to recognise that a mentoring relationship does not guarantee a job opportunity.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for rare and often hard-to-get insight from someone in the field you want to work in about how they did it, how they got to where they are, the trips and pitfalls and the things that worked as well,” he says.

“Mentees can ask a range of questions they wouldn’t normally be able to ask.

“From the mentor’s perspective, it’s not about providing all the right answers.

“It’s also about trying to create the right thoughts in the minds of the people being mentored.”

Mr Dercho agrees one of the biggest things mentees gain through mentoring programs is a network of contacts in their chosen industry.

“The real benefits can also come from a mentor sharing their network,” he says.

“Whether you’re in Adelaide or anywhere else, if your mentor is prepared to share their network that can open up work experience or part-time work opportunities.

“Then your career is up and running.

“Ultimately, mentors can provide support and advice through the tough stages.

“Some of the toughest times can be when you’re trying to break into the industry.”

Ms Campbell says the firm has grown since she was hired because of its approach to hiring and mentoring new graduates.

“When I started, it was just myself and Matthew so starting in a small studio like that I had to learn quickly and I had Matthew mentoring me,” she says.

“Parallax has always supported mentoring.”

Parallax Design is involved in two mentoring programs each year with the University of South Australia as well the AGDA program now run by Ms Campbell.

Mr Remphrey also regularly speaks to graduates and those new to the industry about how to develop their careers.

MENTORS AND MENTEES

What is a mentor?
A mentor is a more experienced worker with industry knowledge who can guide younger or less experienced workers to improve their skills.

What is involved in mentoring?
A mentor can meet with an individual one-on-one on a regular basis over a long period of time or more frequently in a short period.

A mentor and mentee can meet in a casual, social setting or a formal, structured environment.

Who can be a mentor?
A mentor can be a more senior member of staff within an organisation or an experienced worker within the field or industry.

How long does a mentoring relationship last?
A mentoring relationship can last one month, one year or develop into a career-long relationship.

FACT: With the help of a mentor the mentee needs to set goals and plan career action.