Introduction

Mentoring is an interaction process that provides opportunities for the mentor and mentee to experience both sharing and learning each other's gifts and talents. It is believed that students have much to learn and gain insight from association with mature, prudent and prominent people in the community. The mentor-mentee relationships will have a profound influence on the students' personal growth, career development and even life values. Through mentor-mentee connections, mentor shares professional practice and information, offers advice, and teaches the mentee, and on the other hand, mentee brings in new questions, ideas and enthusiasm to the mentor. Consequently, the mentor – mentee becomes a beneficial process both for the mentor and mentee.

Objectives

• To expose students to role models so as to learn through the success of mentors

• To enhance students' educational, social and personal growth through learning from experience of mentors

• To maintain a close link between the college and its alumni

Proposed Mentor-Mentee Interaction Activities

1. Educational Activities

•  sharing on academic articles or books

•  attending professional conferences, seminars, workshops or short courses

•  working on educational projects

•  Social, Cultural and Sport Activities

•  going out to lunch/dinner/tea/happy hour

•  arranging campus visit

•  engaging in sport, recreational and cultural activities

•  joining each other's family activities

•  participating in various activities organized by Shaw College , Student Union and Alumni Association

•  Work-related Activities

•  site visit to the workplace of the mentor

•  introduction of the mentor's professional career and his/her job's nature, description and actual operation

•  scheduling meetings to share issues related to the current development of the mentor's profession

•  arranging occasions to share mentor's knowledge and experience in social skills building, critical and analytical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, stress coping in managing his/her work

•  Others

•  frequent contact via e-mail, telephone calls, cards, letters, etc.

•  discussing on various subjects of common interest

•  sharing each other's background, interest, life goal and expectation

•  arranging group mentoring activities together with other mentors and mentees

For Mentors

Mentor's Role

•  Mentors may perform a variety of roles, such as model, advisor, friend, teacher and resource person. These roles serve many functions in the mentor-mentee relationships. They can bring profound changes to the mentees' social, professional and academic perspectives.

•  Mentors may help mentees to understand some real life experience in the workplace and integrate their theoretical learning with practical examples in the field.

•  Mentors may act as a coach by giving advice, suggestions and guidance to the mentees about their career planning and advancement in future.

•  Mentors may help mentees to enhance their self-esteem, confidence, professional commitment and human relationship skills.

•  Mentors can obtain personal satisfaction through providing guidance and nurturance to the mentees. The mentor-mentee interaction is a mutual source of stimulation, encouragement, recognition and support.

•  Mentors can maintain better connection with Shaw College and make valuable contributions to the development of young people.

Do's and Don'ts

Mentors - Do's

•  do keep close in touch with your mentee

•  do encourage your mentee to be proactive

•  do treat your mentee as a young brother, sister or colleague

•  do enjoy the mentor-mentee relationships

•  do listen to your mentee's questions

•  do get help when you can't deal with your mentee alone

Mentors – Don'ts

•  don't be too kind to your mentee, let him/her pay once in a while

•  don't speak like a boss to your mentee

•  don't get personal assumptions about your mentee

•  don't underestimate the time and commitment

For Mentees

Mentee's Role

•  Mentees may perform different roles such as student, apprentice, friend, explorer, and supervisee. In carrying out these roles, mentees can learn from their role models who serve as experienced and friendly advisers.

•  Mentees can share with the mentors their talents, achievements, interests and issues in relation to professional development.

•  Mentees can seek advice from mentors about career choice and the necessary preparation for success.

•  Mentees need to respect the mentors and demonstrate the passion and willingness to invest time and effort to nurture the mentor-mentee connections, aiming to achieve wider exposure, supportive exchange, problem-solving and richer social life.

Do's and Don'ts

Mentees - Do's

•  do take initiative to keep close contact with your mentor

•  do suggest activities for promoting mentor-mentee relationships

•  do make a priority for meeting with your mentor

•  do respect your mentor in all kinds of communication

•  do be punctual to all appointments with your mentor

•  do keep record of your experiences with your mentor

•  do be open-minded in sharing with your mentor

•  do be clear about your expectations

Mentees – Don'ts

•  don't hesitate to contact your mentor when you need advice

•  don't hesitate to approach the Student Affairs Officer for the Mentorship Program when you need advice

•  don't be emotional in seeking advice from your mentor

•  don't get personal assumptions about your mentor

•  don't underestimate the time and commitment