WiJS Mentorship Guidelines

 

In 2021, we launched our inaugural mentorship scheme, pairing 15 early-mid career journalists across Scotland with mentors working across a range of different fields. Below are the guidelines we expect both mentors and mentees to abide by. Any queries or issues, do not hesitate to get in touch.

For both mentor and mentee

We suggest that you meet once a month for an hour. This could be a couple of 30 minute meetings if preferable. Given the present situation, Zoom / Skype / Google Hangout meetings or email are fine, but try and make sure you will have an uninterrupted stretch of time.

  • A good idea is to arrange the date at the end of each meeting so you don’t have to faff around finding a new one during the intervening period

  • To keep things on track, we also recommend you agree on a goal/task for the mentee to complete before your next meeting and to then discuss what progress has been made

  • Respect confidentiality – trust is key to get the most out of the experience

For mentees

  • Do expect your mentor to keep in touch – let WiJ Scotland know via wijscotland@gmail.com if you have not heard from your mentor a month after you are e-introduced. You may need to email once or twice or try phoning the desk/department they work on if they are on staff and leaving a message

  • Be receptive to your mentor’s advice and their point of view – even if it’s not what you want to hear!

  • Be flexible and take initiative; seek your mentor’s advice when needed to make the most of the relationship.

  • Don’t be afraid to raise your work related concerns and fears - no problem is silly or too small and it’s likely your mentor has been in the same position

  • Be willing to try new things and to consider different ways of getting where you want to be in light of of your mentor’s insight

  • Always make notes from your meetings with your mentor and agree on next steps

For mentors

  • Please initiate contact with your mentee within two weeks of being assigned as their mentor

  • Work with your mentee to set realistic goals that will help them progress

  • Be clear about expectations and boundaries – your mentee shouldn’t expect you to find her a job or to edit her copy. You are there as a sounding board, to offer your opinions from your experiences. Ask probing, open-ended questions and be encouraging and supportive. It’s a good thing to ask where they want to end up eventually. Try and find out what they are most concerned about. Be generous with your contacts and advice – if you know someone who might be able to help, please do so

  • Take notes after each meeting so you can remember what they told you last time

  • Take an interest in their progress and watch their career in between meetings – sending encouraging emails if they get a splash/promotion etc, supporting them through social media, or sending them articles you feel they’d enjoy.

  • Try not to make decisions for your mentee and instead ask questions that help them make their own mind up. Think about the guidance that was most helpful to you along your career trajectory.

  • Be honest about your failures/struggles that you faced / still face in your career – your insight is invaluable. This process works best with honesty on both sides

  • Pass on knowledge, experience and guidance on topics and issues your mentee raises

  • Keep your mentee informed on opportunities you hear about

  • Help your mentee build resilience with reassurance and positivity

  • Stand back from the issues your mentee raises but work together on them; you’re there to provide insightful but objective feedback


Above all, enjoy the mentoring experience. Good matches can lead to professional relationships and lasting friendships - both mentor and mentee should get something from the scheme.

 
Rhiannon Davies