Ask A Mentor: Do I Have Enough Experience To Be A Mentor?

Dear Mentors,

I was surprised when someone suggested that I volunteer as a mentor. I admit that I like helping my peers, but I’ve only been a professional for three years. Would I bring any value as a mentor or will others think I am too young?

 – Potential Mentor

There are plenty of people who might want to pick your brain about your experience entering the workforce, especially recent college grads and upper level students. They need advice on steps to take to get their first job, how to interview well and how to negotiate salary. Those who are just starting their first job may benefit from any lessons you learned as you began yours. Older professionals who are considering transitioning to your professional area of expertise could probably learn some things from you as well.

— Amy Hufford

Most of us are continually learning new behaviors and often making mistakes. Regardless of your age, you can listen and guide based on your experiences and your observation of others. Knowing what questions to ask and then letting your mentee think it through is the bulk of what you need to do. WCA’s mentor program provides quarterly mentor meetings, where you can get help to handle unfamiliar situations.

— Jane Baxter Lynn

Everyone has valuable experiences to share, regardless of age or years of work experience.

— Barbara Springer

If you’ve gained some valuable career skills, why not throw your hat in the ring? First, your super-supportive WCA mentoring team will only pair you with someone who is a good match for your skills, talents, career niche, or experience level.

Second, graduating seniors and recent grads will connect more closely to your relevant experiences in the job market, networking, interviewing, and being a young professional.

Third, the sooner you step out as a leader and voice of experience the better. You don’t have to have all the answers, and when you don’t have a lead or suggestion, be honest and encourage your mentee to ask other WCA members for guidance. You get so much back — new confidence, polish, colleagues — by stepping out and helping others trickle up!

— Karen Aroian, VP of Student Programming 

Almost everyone has something to offer others. From how you got your job to how you tackle challenges and opportunities and relationships, you can certainly advise newcomers to the workplace (and likely offer a great perspective to those who have been around for a while as well)!

— Glenda Parmer Beasley

Learn more

The WCA career services page has more information about mentorships.