We’ve all worked with someone we could always count on for guidance. That senior-level colleague you looked to for advice on best ways to climb the corporate ladder, or suggestions on how to approach a difficult assignment. Even that work-peer who had insider tips on which printer was faster, or which department had the best coffee was key to your daily success.
There’s no question that having someone in a professional capacity who you can turn to is greatly beneficial, especially for someone who is just starting their career. If you’re a seasoned marketing professional, we’re willing to bet you have the necessary wisdom to be a good mentor. Young marketers need someone they can trust to back them up.
If you’ve already been approached to be a mentor, or are considering taking on the role, here are six tips for mentoring young marketers to help them—and possibly you—learn and grow.
1. Make sure you have the capacity to mentor.
Before you set off down the mentorship tract, take a moment to ask yourself: “Do I have the time and energy to fully dedicate to this relationship?” There will likely be a learning curve, however, a mentorship should be something you feel compelled to do—not another task on your to-do list.
Ultimately, mentoring takes practice. Over time, the relationship will develop, and mentoring will hopefully be a rewarding experience for you and the mentee.
2. Set expectations for yourself and your mentee.
Mentorship is a reciprocal relationship. The mentee and mentor should know what they’re looking for before getting into the relationship—be it advice, new skill, or listening ear.
Once mutual benefits are established, clear and concise expectations should be set. Professionalism, respect, and communication are givens. When you dive further into expectations, remember that people learn and work differently. Below are some questions that might be helpful:
- How frequently will we meet?
- Is there an expiration on this mentorship?
- What can I, as the mentor, do to help you be successful?
3. Know when to share and when to listen.
Sharing mistakes or things you wish you had done differently with your mentee can help build trust. Doing so might also provide some guidance if the mentee finds themselves in a similar situation.
But remember, mentorship isn’t one-sided.
While you may feel compelled to give advice and frequently share what you would have done in a situation, sometimes, people just want to be heard. Engage in active listening and ask before giving advice. And if you don’t have the experience or accurate information to give helpful guidance, it’s OK to say so.
Your words are important, so choose what you say with care.
4. Offer to review their work.
No matter if your mentee is a graphic designer or aspiring media strategist, they likely have a portfolio of their work.
If your job is one they hope to have in the future, offer to critique their work. This could be in the form of suggestions for current projects or recommendations of things to add or remove from the portfolio.
If you’re a copywriter and they’re a graphic designer, help put them in contact with someone who can speak design language and review their work. If your mentee does not have a portfolio, encourage them to create one. Having a portfolio of work examples is like marketing case studies on an agency website—the work speaks for itself.
5. Celebrate wins, both big and small.
Mentees are more likely to ask for advice when times are tough, so don’t forget to highlight their successes.
Celebrating achievements boosts a mentee’s confidence and keeps them motivated. Whether it’s congratulatory words or a small gift, recognition can go a long way.
6. Provide opportunities for growth.
In addition to being a listening ear and offering advice, it’s important to provide opportunities that will help move the mentee forward in their career. These opportunities could be connecting them with someone in a position they aspire to have or finding education for them to advance their skills.
A genuine interest in their growth is vital to defining opportunities that will help your mentee achieve their ambitions. If you’re in need of marketing advice, help with a project, or expertise in highly regulated industries—our team is ready to partner with you.