In my youth I didn’t have anyone to discuss the issues of the day with or anyone that would give me encouragement. As a result, I grew up too late in many ways. In the early years after I founded McMillen Engineering, I often wished I had someone in a similar situation to talk with and discuss ideas with. There was no LinkedIn or Google to turn to. What existed then (to some degree) and has continued to gain momentum in the modern era is mentoring. So, I would like to share my experiences in hopes of encouraging others to seek a mentor or become one.
Mentoring in its simplest form is a relationship where a more experienced person helps a less experienced person grow professionally and personally. This professional relationship offers guidance, advice, and support to help mentees succeed and grow by teaching them how to manage change, develop skills, embrace new opportunities and achieve their own goals. When mentors share their expertise and knowledge they provide beneficial opportunities for the mentee’s personal growth, career advancement, and improved academic performance.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring many individuals, colleagues, interns, new employees, and students. I believe education is the key to personal growth and essential to society so mentoring students has been especially rewarding for me. In many cases student mentees are introduced to development opportunities and careers they were not previously aware of. My mentees have included general high school students and college senior engineering students completing their capstone projects. Though these groups of students are different, the goal and benefits are the same, to help each one reach their maximum potential, and the growth of the students is realized.
The benefits of mentorship don’t end with the mentee. There are several benefits to the mentor as well. Helping others, in general, offers an immense sense of accomplishment. This is especially true as mentors have an opportunity to observe the growth and achievements of mentees.
I especially enjoyed mentoring high school students. I have observed many shy freshmen students who transformed into senior leaders. These students have grown into accomplished lawyers, CPAs, teachers, and engineers, among other professions. My college mentees have become leaders in their professions, and I have enjoyed meeting them in their leadership role.
I believe it is our responsibility to give back to our professions. Regardless of the industries in which we sit, the knowledge we have will only continue to be useful if it is passed on to the next generation. Mentoring is a valuable way to accomplish that requirement.
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