Mentoring Students

Mentoring Students

Mentoring is critical to the success of the technical communication profession.  The benefits of mentoring are not only for the student being mentored, but for the mentor themselves.

The academic definition of a mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

Many students preparing to enter the professional work environment need the guidance and experiences of a counselor or teacher to make the transition.  As a professional in the technical communication environment, you can also assist and help students to transition from the academic environment to the working environment.

Once in the working environment, mentoring on the job is just as critical to continue your professional development as a technical communicator.  Many employers have mentoring programs within their structures or you may be able to leverage mentoring programs that are available in the professional community.  If you are a member of a professional society, such as STC, you can leverage your networking contacts to develop an informal mentoring relationship with a senior member.

The possibilities for mentoring are endless, both as a mentor or mentoree.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding a professional mentoring program, refer to Mentoring Program at The Information Architecture Institute.

Page created by Britt Ellmer.