ILAE Mentoring Program: Mentor

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” - Steven Spielberg

What is a mentor?

There is a wide range of things a mentor can offer a mentee. Mentors can listen, share advice, ask thought-provoking questions, and more (see Mentor’s Guide).

There are also things to gain and benefit from as a mentor for those who choose to take on this role:

• Personal satisfaction: Mentors have the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone else's life and career. Seeing their mentees grow, succeed, and overcome challenges can be highly rewarding.
• Leadership development: Mentors can enhance their leadership skills by guiding others. They have an opportunity to refine their communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills, which are valuable in various professional and personal contexts.
• Reflection and self-discovery: Mentoring often requires mentors to reflect on their own experiences, knowledge, and values. By sharing their insights and expertise, mentors gain a deeper understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and areas of expertise.
• Networking and collaboration: Mentoring programs foster a sense of community and networking. Mentors can connect with other experienced professionals who share similar interests and expand their professional network. This can lead to collaboration, new opportunities, and exposure to different perspectives.
• Fresh perspectives and learning: Knowledge-sharing in mentoring relationships goes in both directions. Mentees, particularly those from different backgrounds or generations, can provide fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and new approaches to problem-solving, which can enrich a mentor's own knowledge and understanding.
• Develop and refine skills: Mentoring requires mentors to continuously develop their own skills and knowledge to guide and support their mentees effectively. This ongoing learning process contributes to the mentor's personal and professional growth, helping them stay relevant and adaptable in their respective fields.

“Leave a beautiful footprint in the life of a younger colleague who needs you.”

How to volunteer?

We are always looking to increase our pool of ILAE mentors. If you have experiences to share and want to make a difference for someone, become a mentor in the ILAE Mentoring Program.