Mentor Roles and Responsibilities
A mentor is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as an “experienced and trusted adviser.” This description reflects how PSIMES mentors will typically work with their Penn State IME student mentees. PSIMES mentors will cover at least some of the following:
- Listen
- Ask questions to help develop you and your mentee’s understanding of a situation or problem
- Provide information, knowledge and share informal networks
- Provide advice on career development
- Offer different perspectives
- Provide support and encouragement
- Provide insight into your work and career
- Offer guidance and advice in regards to qualifications
- Be a sounding board
- Be a critical friend
- Encourage self-reflection
- Help mentees identify areas for development
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to use your experience and knowledge in a facilitative manner to support the development of the mentee; however, the responsibility for making things happen and putting plans into action lies primarily with the mentee - not with the mentor.
Note: Once a mentor has registered, they will be notified when they have been approved.
Once student and mentor registration is complete, students will be sent a list of profiles of all mentors. Students will review mentors and select a mentor from the list. Both parties will then be notified of the match.
Once you are notified that you have been matched, it is the MENTOR’S responsibility to make first contact with the students within 2 weeks.
