Looking ahead to the future can be overwhelming. We encourage you to connect with volunteer alumni
to talk about the future, what to expect, and the wisdom alumni have gained thus far.
- Western Seminary posts an anonymous caption about you on a secure page on Western’s
website. The post is then available for both mentors and mentees to access.
- The
mentee reads the profile and contacts you by email.
- You decide whether or not
to proceed and reply promptly.
- If you accept, it is up to you and the mentee
to determine the nature, topic, and length of meeting. If you do not respond
for 1-2 weeks, we encourage the mentee to continue their search.
Mentoring is about developing a mutually satisfying relationship. Here are some suggestions
in forming a successful mentoring relationship:
- Be transparent.
- Create clear boundaries: establish expectations for your time together
(Where,
Frequency of Meeting).
- Follow through with the established commitment, or communicate
otherwise.
- Be respectful: Listen to one another and remain engaged in conversation.
Most mentoring relationships are very successful. However, it is important to be
careful of the following roadblocks:
- Lack of Contact: Maintain communication. If you are no longer available to mentor, please
communicate your conflicts with the mentee.
- Lack of Focus: Remember the reasons
for each meeting- to act as a guide, coach and friend.
- Loss of Trust: Please do
not share the mentee’s personal information with others
unless given permission to do so.
- What are your short and long-term goals?
- What inspired you to pursue these goals?
- What
is a specific action you’ve taken that has lead to your success?
- What are your strengths?
What are you weaknesses?
- How do you handle obstacles?
- Who do you accept advice
from?
If you have questions of concerns, contact Jenna Ross at jross@westernseminary.edu.
