WHAT DOES A MENTOR DO?
IS IT THE RIGHT ROLE FOR ME?

The question “What does a mentor do?” is a question that does get asked fairly often. When  you get right down to it, it depends on the context in which it is used. I’d like to discuss that today so we can all get on the same page and develop a common understanding.

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A woman sitting on a bench at night with a lit question mark balloon asking what does a mentor do.

DEFINITION OF A MENTOR

We will begin by looking at a mentor definition from Merriam-Webster.


Definition:  Merriam-Webster defines Mentor as a noun to be a trusted counselor, guide, tutor, or coach. When viewing it as a verb, meaning to serve as a mentor for, is to tutor. When I put these together, I see someone who is knowledgeable and experienced that helps an individual learn more about the area of interest.


WHAT DOES A MENTOR DO IN A TRADITIONAL MANNER

Two groups of gears in the shape of heads are being held by two hands.

Most people have a broad understanding of a mentor to be someone who helps another understand more about a job, process, activity, or objective. In this sense, a mentor can be many things. Normally, a mentor would perform many tasks such as:

  • Listens to their mentee.
  • Gains an understanding of the mentee’s objectives.
  • Transfer knowledge of how to perform specific tasks.
  • Explains the importance of goal setting.
  • Conveys advice and guidance.
  • Discusses their perspective of the corporate culture.
  • Explores resources that the mentee can utilize.
  • Provides honest feedback to the mentee.
  • Offers their interpretation of elements of the organization.
  • Can review and comment on their resume.
  • May address tips for interviews.
  • Could expose the mentee to beneficial contacts within and outside of the organization.
  • Value the mentee and their objectives.
  • Assist the mentee in addressing and solving their problems.
  • Understand what is driving the mentee.
  • Develops mutual trust.

WHAT DOES A MENTOR DO AT CAREER REDO?

TRADITIONAL

1. In many cases outside of Career Redo, the mentee has to investigate and ask around to locate the person that has the skills and knowledge that the mentee desires to obtain. The mentor may not have thought of transferring their knowledge to someone else. So the mentee may have to approach the potential mentor and ask for their assistance in this relationship.

CAREER REDO

1. At Career Redo the mentor has a strong desire to help others in their quest to learn more about a desired career field or discipline to advance their careers. Our mentor elect to participate. So answering what does a mentor do, they work to help others.

TRADITIONAL

2. Normally, the mentor has a current job and finds time to help others outside of normal hours. And the request by others to find time for this role may not be expected.

CAREER REDO

2. Our mentors can also have full-time jobs and would need to arrange mentoring sessions at times convenient to both mentee and mentor. However, since the mentors have signed up to help, they expect mentees to inquire and can plan mentoring sessions accordingly.

A man helping another man climb to the top of a mountain in the night sky.

HOW TO BE A MENTOR AT CAREER REDO

Let’s talk about how we envision mentoring here at Career Redo. A Career Redo mentor could have a wide range of questions posed by its mentee and could range from general to specific. What does a mentor do at Career Redo about that situation?

  1. A new mentor should be prepared to address any of these broad issues. Example: I have a general understanding of the function of this job.  I know that a _lawyer__, electrical engineer__, marketer_-__etc.__ does this, but what is it really like?
  2. One should also respond to specific questions on the job function or details that are never published.
  3. Work with the mentee to develop a good understanding of the objective of the mentee.
  4. Sincerely listen to the mentor.
  5. Focus on developing a response to directly address the objective and the questions raised by the mentee.
  6. Should the mentee request a short, single session, then plan a targeted response to achieve that goal.
  7. Be open to multiple sessions at the request of the mentee.
  8. Provide honest and constructive feedback.
  9. The mentor could develop a checklist or to do list to help the mentee address and accomplish specific targets on their way to make their career change.
  10. Respect the confidentiality of the mentee.
  11. Provide insight as to why people fail in this discipline.
  12. Identify the characteristics of those that succeed in this role
  13. Mentoring session will most likely be by phone with anyone in the United States or for that matter anywhere in the world.
  14. May elect to accept in-person one-on-one meeting if both parties agree.
  15. Impart specific information about your field rather than general career counseling “what to you want to be questions”.
  16. Charge the rate you feel is appropriate for this service.
  17. Have the flexibility to redesign your rate structure at any time.
  18. Bill your client directly.
  19. Agree to pay the referral fee to Career Redo for the service of attracting mentees for your consultation.

See our current list of career categories for which Career Redo mentors cover. I am always looking for additional mentors in current or new categories. See how to join.


  

Photo of a hand reaching out to help another hand describing how to be a mentor

HOW AVAILABLE IS A MENTOR AT CAREER REDO

Drawing of a woman with a flashlight leading a man with a briefcase showing what does a mentor do.

One of the outstanding qualities of a good mentor is their availability. If a mentee cannot locate and arrange for a mentoring session, they can’t get started on their career change.

Since individuals who are experienced in their career fields have voluntarily elected to become mentors at Career Redo, each person is expected to make themselves available in a professional reasonable manner to their mentees.  Each of our mentors strive to make arrangements convenient to their mentees. What does a mentor do at Career Redo? — Serve their mentor clients.

In the workforce, mentors that have not already volunteered to help others are usually searched for by mentees. Their willingness and availability may be limited. It may take longer to locate and develop a mentoring relationship with them.

Career Redo mentors are available almost immediately.

 

BENEFITS OF BEING A MENTOR AT CAREER REDO

One of the top benefits of being a mentor is the satisfaction and happiness that one feels in helping others.  Our mentors are experienced. They have been around a while. There is really a great feeling one get when you know that you have provided information and guidance that allowed someone to take the next step or even to accomplish their goal.

Another benefit is that one can earn extra income, usually in off hours or weekends over the phone or your computer video.  It is always beneficial to have the capability to bring in extra cash for yourself or family. Prices always seem to increase in our daily lives, so an additional income is always welcome.

Here is more on what does a mentor do at Career Redo. From an operational perspective, a new mentor at Career Redo can:

  • Set your own rate to charge your mentees.
  • Determine the date and time for your mentoring session.
  • Work as an independent contractor with Career Redo.
  • Work from home or anywhere you like.
  • Present your qualifications, experience and items to discuss with your mentees on a dedicated page of Career Redo.
  • Eliminate the need to develop your own website by using Career Redo.
  • Expand your personal recognition and influence on the internet through your dedicated page on Career Redo.
  • Invoice the client directly.
  • Pay the referral fee charged by Career Redo AFTER payment by your mentee.

NEXT STEPS

I hope this discussion has helped clarify what does a mentor do at Career Redo.

Find more mentoring faq here.

To get more information on how to become a mentor, check this out.

Read more details and sign up to be a mentor by following this button.



WAIT!  DO YOU WANT TO FIND A MENTOR, NOT BE ONE?

If that is the case, then search our mentors according to career category by clicking this button.

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WANT MORE INFORMATION

Easy - just send me a note on at my contact page. I will be happy to talk with you.


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Don D'Armond

Don D'Armond is the creator of Career Redo.

His goal is to connect his visitors who want to learn more  about their desired new career fields with experienced individuals (Mentors) to transfer their insight and knowledge.