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Generation Success

  • Our Mentorship Programme

    We work closely with students who hail from underrepresented social backgrounds, many of whom are the first generation in their families to pursue higher education. Our mentorship program plays a pivotal role in their academic journey, offering guidance and support as they navigate unfamiliar terrain.

    The students we mentor often lack exposure to the conventions of time management and professional communication. This handbook aims to address this gap by ensuring mentors are well-prepared to empower their mentees with essential skills. These skills include proficiency in time management, aiding mentees in setting priorities, creating balanced study schedules, and efficiently breaking down tasks. Moreover, mentors will also focus on fostering skills in professional communication, helping mentees master email etiquette, active listening, and confident verbal expression.

    This mentorship program strives not only to bridge skill gaps but also to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among students who have historically been underrepresented. By sharing knowledge, guidance, and a listening ear, mentors will play an integral role in shaping the successful trajectories of these promising individuals
Shaping success stories and futures together

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Mentor

Being a mentor is more than just sharing knowledge – it's about guiding, supporting, and cheering on. As a mentor, you have important roles: really listening, being clear about what you expect, and making the learning experience positive.
Remember, being a mentor means more than just telling what you know. It's about being a helpful listener and making things clear for your mentees. It's like being a friendly guide on their journey.
Your guidance is like a safety net. You're there to help your mentees when they're unsure and have questions. And you create a safe space where they can freely ask, express worries, and talk about their goals.
Every mentee is different. They have their own needs and dreams. So, the things you talk about and the advice you give should fit each person. It's all about being flexible and understanding.
Mentorship is like weaving a special fabric. You add bits of advice, understanding, and care. And this fabric isn't just about learning skills – it's about boosting confidence, making them believe in themselves, and helping them grow. Being a mentor is about shaping success stories and futures together.

Step 2: Build 
​Trust and Rapport

Create a safe and supportive space for your mentee. Be approachable, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Building trust is crucial for effective communication and mutual respect.

Step 3: Set Clear Expectations and Goals

During the initial meeting, outline the objectives of the mentoring relationship. Together with your mentee, establish clear and achievable goals. Regularly review progress to keep both of you on track.
Example Questions
 1. What specific skills or areas would you like to focus on during our mentoring journey?
 2. How will you measure your progress towards achieving your goals?

How to Conduct a Productive Mentoring Meeting

Step 4: Actively Listen and Ask Open-ended Questions

Listen attentively to your mentee's concerns and aspirations. Ask open-ended questions to encourage reflection and deeper discussions. Avoid jumping to conclusions or providing immediate solutions.
Example Questions
1. Can you share more about a challenging experience you've faced in your career/studies?
2. What do you enjoy most about your current role/studies, and what aspects would you like to improve?
Our Mentorship Programme

Step 5: Identify Strengths and Areas for Growth

Help your mentee recognize their strengths and potential areas for development. Provide constructive feedback and offer resources to support their growth.
Only 10 minutes to get a “freakishly accurate” description of who you are and why you do things the way you do 16 Personalities test.
Example Questions
  1. What feedback have you received from others about your strengths and areas for improvement?
  2. How can we leverage your strengths to overcome challenges in your career?

Step 6: Share Personal Experiences

Share relevant experiences from your own career journey. Stories can be powerful tools for conveying lessons and inspiring mentees to overcome challenges.

Resource: Book - "Mentoring Matters: A Practical Guide to Learning-Focused Relationships"

Example Questions
 1. Can you think of a time in your career when you faced a similar situation? How did you handle it?
 2. What valuable lessons have you learned from your past experiences that you'd like to share?
Our Mentorship Programme
Our Mentorship Programme

Step 7: Support Skill Development

Guide your mentee in identifying and developing skills essential for their career advancement. Suggest workshops, courses, or learning opportunities tailored to their needs.
Example Questions
  1. Which specific skills do you believe are crucial for your desired career path?
  2. How can I assist you in finding the right learning resources for skill development?

Step 8: Encourage Networking and Professional Connections

Assist your mentee in expanding their professional network. Introduce them to relevant contacts and networking events to broaden their horizons.
Our Mentorship Programme

Step 9: Foster Independence and Empowerment

As a mentor, your ultimate goal is to empower your mentee to make informed decisions independently. Encourage critical thinking and self-reliance.
Example Questions
  1. How do you see yourself taking ownership of your career development in the future?
  2. What steps can you take to become more proactive in pursuing your career goals?

Step 10: Emphasize Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

Acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Help your mentee develop resilience and coping strategies to overcome obstacles.

Example Questions
1. How have you handled setbacks in the past, and what did you learn from those experiences?
2. What strategies can you implement to bounce back from challenges more effectively?
Our Mentorship Programme

Step 11: Celebrate Achievements

Recognize and celebrate your mentee's accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and self-confidence.
Example Questions
  1. What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career, and how did you achieve them?
  2. How can we acknowledge and celebrate your progress towards your goals?

Step 12: Continuously Learn and Improve

Reflect on your own mentoring practices. Seek feedback from your mentee and make adjustments to improve your mentoring effectiveness.
Example Questions
  1. What aspects of our mentorship relationship do you find most beneficial, and how can we build upon them?
  2. How can I better support your professional growth as your mentor?

Step 13: Maintain Confidentiality

Respect your mentee's privacy and maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information shared during mentoring sessions.
Example Questions
  1. Is there anything you would like to discuss in our mentorship sessions with the understanding that it will remain confidential?
  2. How can I ensure that you feel comfortable sharing sensitive information during our conversations?

Step 14: Know When to Seek Help

If you encounter issues beyond your expertise, don't hesitate to come back to Generation Success and we will try to connect mentee with our life coaches or other professionals who can offer specialized support.
Example Questions
 1. If you encounter challenges beyond our expertise, how would you prefer to access additional support?
  2. What are some areas where you believe external guidance could be beneficial for your career development?
Our Mentorship Programme

Guide through the registration process on the Chronus platform.

Chronus represents cutting-edge mentoring software, designed to streamline the mentor-mentee pairing and management process using a highly customized algorithm that caters to the unique needs of each mentee.
Download Registration Guide

Once you have completed your registration and have been matched with a mentee, we encourage you to watch these instructional videos to become familiar with the platform:

1. Mentoring Connection Overview

2. Checking Your Mentee Profile

3. Scheduling or Logging into a Meeting

4. Using Surveys
Success Story

List of skills

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can become an exceptional mentor, guiding your mentee towards success and personal growth. Remember, being a mentor is a rewarding journey of continuous learning and making a positive impact on someone's life. Good luck in your mentorship endeavors!

Additionally, there are list of skills you should discuss with your mentee and provide assistance if needed:
Time Management:
  • Setting priorities and goals
  • Creating a study schedule
  • Breaking tasks into manageable chunks
  • Using tools like calendars and planners
Professional Communication:
  • Email etiquette and formal writing
  • Active listening and effective verbal communication
  • Articulating thoughts clearly and confidently
  • Interacting with professors, peers, and professionals

Organization:

  • Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and events

  • Maintaining a neat and organized workspace

  • Using digital tools for note-taking and organization

Study Skills:

  • Effective note-taking techniques

  • Strategies for active learning and engagement

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving methods

  • Test preparation and time management during exams

Goal Setting:

  • Defining short-term and long-term goals

  • Developing a plan to achieve those goals

  • Regularly reviewing and adjusting goals as needed

Networking:

  • Building relationships with professors and peers

  • Exploring student clubs, workshops, and events

  • Leveraging online platforms for networking

Problem-Solving:

  • Analyzing challenges and finding solutions

  • Developing critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills

Self-Advocacy:

  • Asking questions and seeking help when needed

  • Advocating for accommodations, if applicable

  • Expressing needs and concerns to professors and advisors

Professional Etiquette:

  • Dressing appropriately for different settings

  • Engaging in respectful and professional behavior

  • Understanding workplace norms and expectations

Problem-Solving:

  • Analyzing challenges and finding solutions

  • Developing critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills

Emotional Intelligence:

  • Managing stress and dealing with setbacks

  • Building resilience and coping strategies

  • Developing self-awareness and empathy

Digital Literacy:

  • Proficiency in using online learning platforms

  • Navigating online resources and research databases

  • Ensuring responsible and safe internet use

Career Exploration:

  • Identifying interests, strengths, and skills

  • Exploring potential career paths and industries

  • Seeking internships, job shadowing, and informational interviews

Cultural Competence:

  • Understanding diverse perspectives and backgrounds

  • Respecting cultural differences in communication and behavior

  • Building inclusive and diverse networks

Health and Well-being:

  • Prioritizing physical and mental health

  • Seeking resources for counseling and support services

  • Balancing academic and personal life

GS Mentoring Handbook 2023 PPT
Click to read the shorten version in PPT
Download check-list
Our Mentorship Programme
Check list skills