Things I learnt as a mentor
When I transited from accounting to data analytics after the graduation of my masters, I noticed a surge of requests to ask me to give them advice on how to get started or what they can do to enter into the tech sector. Since then, every year I accepted about 3 mentees to provide some career advice and hopefully to inspire them to be passionate about data.
How it all started..
Most of my friends knew that I used to work in the finance area, doing mostly accounting or budgeting for the company. When I decided to take on the Masters course in IT and analytics on a part time basis, my friends did asked why I would want to have this career change. In a way, it seems like a great big jump because accounting and data analytics are two different topics altogether.
Typical questions that came to me in the beginning were mostly about juggling between work and school. It was not easy as I tend to burn my nights for lessons and weekends for project work and assignments.
As soon as I graduated from my masters course and successfully landed a job in a data role, I started to receive requests to meet up for discussion on how they can possibly transit to this career. I accepted most of the requests and this spark my journey to becoming a career mentor. I have also became a regular in my university alumni mentoring events, helping anyone who wants to know more about this career.
How I usually conduct my mentor-mentee sessions
In a proper program organised by my university, there are structured procedures and plans in place to help the mentors and mentees. It includes like written agreement, number of planned meet ups and follow-ups. Initially, it was pretty much flexible until they start to put in proper procedures in place. I guess it is mainly from the feedback from the mentors as they are not so sure how to go about conducting the program with their mentees.
I have a very easy-going style of conducting my sessions. Normally, I try to make it as a one-off event as my intention is to reach more people as possible. I will try to cover most of my working and education experience in one sitting and I would encourage the mentees to contact me whenever they feel they are stuck with certain choices. I prefer my sessions to be easy going, flexible and allowing the mentees not to feel pressured by the seniority. I can understand in their point of view as after all I was once a student.
Profile of my mentees
Because I have an unusual path to getting to the tech route, my mentees are usually:
- Fresh graduates who wants to have a change in career
- Mid-career professionals who wants to step into tech career
- Students who are about to graduate but still thinking whether they would want to take on tech as their first job
I would say most of the profiles are business/non-technical backgrounds hence they can resonate very well with my current path.
What did I usually discuss during the session
During my session, I will normally explain about my thought process as well as my motivation in achieving a certain milestone. I will start off with my initial education and working background which was accounting and how I got interested in data analytics and technology. Following which I will explain the process of how I got to where I am today.
As I gained more experience in the industry, I realized that for every new batch of mentees that I established connections with, I will have more things to share. It is because every year I will be taking on new projects and new assignments that it is very fulfilling and purposeful. Recently, I have been involved in teaching and life coaching projects which adds a new perspective to my life.
Do I feel tired?
It seems like it requires a lot of effort to be able to make time to coach and mentor people. In my honest opinion, yes it is! However, I think it does bring a sense of fulfillment to myself and I did enjoy how I was able to make a positive impact on others. Whenever my peers or mentees felt that they have gained a new perspective from my sessions, I do feel appreciated and at the same time grateful that they allowed me to become their mentor for their career and life journey.
Advice for aspiring mentors
Before you want to start on this journey, try to figure out whether you are able to commit your time towards this cause. At the same time, you need to figure out whether you really enjoy mentoring. For my case, I really enjoy how much I can impact others and I want to continue helping others. If you can resonate with me on this, I am sure you will do well as a mentor. Hope this post will inspire more people to take on mentorship role and provide a positive impact for our younger generations.
I have a website known as https://goingmeraki.com which I have published other posts including tutorials. You may visit it to know more about my journey towards becoming a data analyst. Please visit @goingmeraki on instagram for short posts too!
