Should I be a Mentor?

Individual public servants volunteering to mentor unemployed or under-employed youth are a key element to the success of the Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program.

Don't agree to or refuse the challenge of being a mentor too quickly. Before you decide, take the time to think over the task and your expectations of it. Ask questions, inform yourself, think about it, and then decide. Here are a few thoughts to help you:

What is a Mentor?

• Someone who takes responsibility for a young person in the workplace and takes a personal interest in their development and well-being.
• Someone who shares their knowledge, skills, techniques and experience.
• Someone who also shares new ideas, perspectives and standards, as well as the values and norms of the workplace.
• Someone who offers support, challenge, patience and enthusiasm while guiding a young person.
• Someone who represents tangible evidence of what one can become.

Who can be a Mentor?

You Can! Any Federal public servant, at any level and in any type of job, can be a mentor.

What Makes a Good Mentor?

• Commitment: a good mentor has a sincere desire to work with a young person and help him or her determine and achieve goals.
• Willingness and ability to share: a good mentor wants to share knowledge and wisdom.
• Adaptability: a good mentor recognizes that different people have different needs and strengths.
• Approachability: a good mentor is approachable, and communicates openly and non-judgmentally.
• Availability: Mentoring requires time. Don't take on an intern if you can not give mentoring the time it needs. Good mentors are accessible.

What Can I Get Out of Mentoring?

• Personal satisfaction: in accepting a challenge and meeting a goal.
• Pride: in knowing that you've helped someone and have contributed to a young person's accomplishments.
• Sharpened Management/Leadership/Interpersonal skills: you will sharpen your own skills as you challenge and coach your intern. Mentoring is an important professional competency.
• Fresh perspectives: an intern brings new insights and energy to the workplace.

For additional information about mentoring, look for the self-assessment, the testimonials, the tips.