Roles and Responsibilities

Roles and Responsibilities:

Two women in engineering wearing purple t-shirts

Mentoring assists the mentee in developing skills that would otherwise be learned through trial and error. This provides benefits to many parties including the mentee, their employer, the mentor and the engineering regulator.

The mentee learns how to avoid pitfalls and how to tackle challenges. They gain a trusted advisor who can smooth their transition to professional life, and help them gain specific skills and knowledge.

The mentor gets an opportunity to give something back. Mentors also often report that the relationship provided them with a valuable opportunity to reflect on their own career, development and future goals. For both mentor and mentee the relationship also provides an opportunity for more diverse networking, and can be a fun and positive undertaking.

Mentors provide support, guidance, friendship, role modeling, assistance, and an attentive ear. This helps to develop a supportive relationship where the mentee can receive encouragement towards raised aspirations, positive reinforcement for the achievement of goals, and guidance when obstacles make goal achievement difficult. 

Mentoring relationships are most effective when both the mentor and the mentee bring the following abilities to the table:

  • Confidentiality. Both parties must be able to trust the other so that valuable information is shared, not withheld.

  • Commitment. Both parties must make a commitment to the relationship for the duration of the program. This requires both time and a willingness to “be there” for the other party. 

  • Follow-up. A relationship that goes no further than verbal discussions will not result in significant progress for the mentee. Both parties must be able to act on what has been discussed during the meetings. For example: mentees should act on the advice given, mentors should provide information as promised, and both should report on the results of their actions. 

  • Active listening involves being fully present during all discussions. Both parties must be able to listen without criticizing, and must remain attentive to the needs and advice expressed. Active listening includes asking clarifying questions and showing interest and support for what is said. 

  • Respect is the foundation of the relationship. Without a mutually respectful relationship, neither party will fully benefit from the program. 

Program Responsibilities 

  • Take point form notes during meetings.

  • Work together to develop goals.

  • Complete the end of program survey