MNNIT Alumni Sangam

Who is a mentor?

A mentor is a trusted and experienced advisor who has a direct interest in the development and education of a less experienced individual. A mentor is that person who achieves a one-to-one developmental relationship with a learner, and one whom the learner identifies as having enabled personal growth to take place.

The relationship between the mentor and mentee is unique. The mentor assumes numerous roles, while contributing to a sustaining relationship of shared interests and goals. A mentor makes a commitment to an assigned mentee to help her or him grow into the organization's culture and become a productive and effective organization member. A person can never have too many mentors.

Qualities of a good mentor:

•	considered a role model in his/her position or area
•	committed to the mentoring process
•	responds to individual circumstances
•	encourages and motivates others
•	creates a continuous learning environment
•	commits time to be a mentor
•	possesses the knowledge and influence needed to be a mentor
•	willing to share knowledge
•	possesses good interpersonal communication skills

Benefits of participating in the program for a mentor :
•	Gain increased respect and recognition from other alumni of MNREC/MNNIT as individuals who have the ability to identify, encourage, and promote other people
•	Extend your network to other mentors and mentees
•	Contribute to the development of recent graduates and alumni in need
•	Experience professional and personal growth and renewal
•	Contribute toward increasing the mentee's enthusiasm about being successful at every walk of their life
•	Use or develop additional skills not required in current stage of the mentee
•	Keep you sharp and encourages creativity
•	Provide a window to "get by giving"
•	Enhance your value to others

A mentor's specific role may include, but is not limited to:
•	Clarify expectations with your mentee about the extent to which you will offer guidance concerning personal as well as professional issues such as advice about how to balance family and career responsibilities
•	Give constructive feedback (as well as praise) when warranted but present it with specific suggestions for improvement
•	Help current students learn about higher education alternatives they should seek in order to further their academic development
•	Take time to be available to your mentee (can keep in contact by sending e-mail, doing online chat, calling or inviting your mentee to lunch if local)
•	Tell your mentee if he/she asks for too little - or too much - of your time
•	Maintain confidentiality
•	Help sort out priorities to achieve balance between personal and professional life
•	Suggest how to say "no" to certain demands on his/her time

-	Mentor benefits and roles
-	Mentee benefits and responsibilities
-	The mentoring process
-	How to be a mentee?
-	How to be a mentor?
-	Team/Questions/Feedback