Mentorship – whether one participates as a mentor or mentee — is an important process, critical for stimulating personal and professional growth. In addition to insight and advice, mentors can be advocates, and teach the power of self advocacy. They can also provide counsel on how to maintain a healthy work/life balance as mentees pursue career goals. According to Forbes, studies have shown that people recognize the importance of mentorship, yet only 37% of those asked actually have a mentor.
Mentorship has always been an important tool to build networks and drive professional development. Today, as people are adapting to new ways of working, mentorship matters more than ever.
But how can you get started? In a recent npr.org article, Anjuli Krbechek suggested asking yourself who you look up to in your organization, identifying a role model where you work. Consider reaching out to this person informally, but before you do make sure to have your “elevator pitch” ready so you are clearly articulating your goals and why you think this person would be a good mentor for you.
In addition to seeking out opportunities for mentorship within one’s own organization, it’s important to also look outside. According to the AICPA, “A mentor can offer insight and advice about challenges and opportunities and serve as a sounding board for ideas and career related decisions. An outside mentor will bring an objective perspective which often complements the mentoring and coaching a professional receives inside an organization.”
The AICPA Online Mentoring Program allows participants to seek a mentor and/or mentee using an online platform. This makes a mentoring relationship easier to fit into busy schedules, especially for CPAs, creating flexible as well as beneficial opportunities.
Additionally, there are plenty of mentorship resources for financial professionals in every state.
The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants has a MentorMatch program online, outlining the benefits of both being a mentee and mentor: https://vscpa.connectedcommunity.org/vscpa/mentormatch/aboutmentormatch
At MCB, we believe strongly in the power of mentorship. We offer a variety of opportunities for our colleagues to meet personal and professional development goals, including opportunities to engage with senior leadership in a variety of settings on topics of interest. “Participating in mentoring relationships – whether as mentor or mentee – contributes to building satisfying and sustainable careers. Mentoring also cultivates professional friendship among colleagues that becomes so valuable at any career or life stage,” said Pam Priester, MCB’s Director of People Strategy.
Learn more about MCB and opportunities at our firm by clicking here or reach out to us at [email protected].