If you’re studying for professional qualifications, a mentor can help. But what should you look for in a mentor? Basically: professional knowledge, approachability and communication skills.
1. A mentor should, first of all, have studied for and attained the qualifications you’re aiming for. They will, for example, be professionally registered with the Engineering Council or be a Chartered Transport Planning Professional (CTPP). They will also have worked in the sector at a senior level for at least three years and have good knowledge of the UK-SPEC or TPP standards, as well as their application in practice. Having that knowledge base will be crucial for the mentor to help you develop your career.
2. You don’t have to stick to one mentor, either. If you have to cover a range of competencies in your study, you might need more than one person to help you.
3. A mentor should take a personal interest in their mentee’s success and be accessible, approachable and organised enough to inspire you and build your confidence. At the same time, as a mentee, you should be respectful of the mentor’s time and support. This mutual respect is important to underpin the mentorship.
4. Your mentor can work for the same employer as you (but it shouldn’t be your line manager – it makes it easier to address any personal, rather than organisational, needs). Alternatively, you can find one at a different organisation, with help from CIHT. It’s the fit that matters most.
5. You should look for a number of specific qualities. Effective mentors tend to share a range of competencies. In this sector specifically, they’ll be experienced highways and transportation professionals with a wide range of experience and professional skills that they’re happy to share with you. Your mentor needs to take a personal interest in you and be accessible, approachable and organised. They will also be able to build relationships, listen and inspire confidence in you, while at the same time, having a willingness to listen to and learn from you, too – even to the extent that they can be influenced by your ideas and enthusiasm.
6. Your mentor should know the assessment process of the particular qualification that you’re studying for, in order to help and support you as fully as possible. They will need this understanding of the assessment process, in order to provide constructive feedback on your Portfolio and help you to prepare for interview. Their experience should also mean that they have a senior position in their organisation, giving them the credentials to raise any relevant issues about your professional development with your employer.
7. Finally, as in most aspects of life, good communication is key. Your mentor should be easy to get hold of and should contact you regularly, to check that everything is going well with your professional development. You should have regular meetings, in a location that is convenient for both of you. At those meetings, your mentor will review your progress – listen to what you have to say (you’ll be taking the lead), and help you plan the next stage of your progress.
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