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Career mentoring what are the benefits?
Are you currently pursuing, or planning to pursue a career in law? Have you considered signing up to a mentoring scheme to help develop yourself and your career? Mentoring can help support better career outcomes, benefitting both the mentor and mentee. Employment website Indeed summarises some of the key benefits here. RCCW’s Amanda Gibb reflects on her experience as a career mentor below.
Rather than the traditional approach of a university degree in law I took an alternative route to qualification where I worked full-time at RCCW and sat exams twice a year, studying in my spare time. This meant I was surrounded by people “in the know” on a daily basis which allowed me to learn and ask questions relating to both what I was studying and also the legal world of work. This was invaluable to me, enhancing my learning and understanding.
Once I qualified I decided I wanted to pass on this positive experience to other people so I became a career mentor for both Aberdeen University and The Law Society of Scotland.
Most of the mentees I have been partnered with have been law students, but I have also been partnered with people in related subjects. The role of a mentor is to assist the mentee in finding out more about themselves and their chosen career. It includes the following:-
- Being a sounding board for ideas/questions the mentee has;
- Helping the mentee identify transferable skills they may have already; and
- Motivating and highlighting possible opportunities for the mentee in terms of personal development.
- Helping develop the mentees professional network.
I find the mentoring relationship rewarding because I feel the ability to ask questions in a supportive environment is essential and it gives me the opportunity to help someone who is in the position I once was. It is also great from a personal development point of view as it allows me to reflect on my own experience and identify areas where I might want to improve myself or even where I may not have appreciated how far I have come on my own journey. From a networking perspective it helps me meet potential new colleagues and gain an insight into how the working landscape is changing for current graduates.
I would highly recommend career mentoring (at any stage in your career) and would be happy to hear from you if you have any queries.
