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 further studies, 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.
Mentees' 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.