Mentoring for Fun

Less than two years ago I started on a new career journey and mentoring was part of that journey. One of the culminating events was my mentee's graduation from Thunderbird May 8, 2017.

Dixita and I were matched by Thunderbird when I joined the Thunderbird Executive Leadership Council in 2015.  We met in early 2016 and worked together through her graduation.  I hope our relationship will continue as she begins her professional journey as a T-bird alumnus.

I have read several articles about a "Portfolio Life" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/404616.Portfolio_Life.  George Dow introduced me to this concept  in 2015 and I had been seeking ways to start it.   

What helped me get started mentoring at T-bird?

1. Having a runway.  I was able to plan ahead and think about the types of volunteer activities I wanted to undertake. T-bird was transitioning to being a "unit of ASU."   They needed to differentiate their new MGM program and utilizing their alumni network was perceived as a distinct advantage.  I immediately felt needed by T-bird and was going to be able to "make a difference."
2. Getting trained. Thunderbird had some great training materials to get me started.  The materials included relevant subjects.  Thunderbird also provided great monthly updates with campus life so I could better understand the educational climate for my mentee.
   
3. Doing it on a voluntary basis.  Not getting paid devotes you to the mission  It made me work harder to prove my worth.
   
4. Being flexible.  A student has many competing priorities: classwork, internships, job search.  Mentoring is not a primary activity for the student.  They need you when they have time and space.  It is important to have a monthly schedule, but it is more important to have meaningful interaction.
   
5. Having a committed mentee.  Dixita saw each other one time, at the 70th reunion, prior to graduation: https://issuu.com/raxxdirect/docs/thunderbird-fall16/18.  Dixita was respectful, bold and a great global citizen.  Most of our monthly meetings were Skype or phone based.
   

May 8 was a proud day for me.  I hope to be able to add more mentees from different walks of life as part of my portfolio life: http://www.jimthomasintl.com/mentoring.html.

Do you want to have a free fifteen minute discussion so we can discuss possible mentoring opportunities? Sign up on my web site http://www.jimthomasintl.com/ or contact me directly by phone.

No blog post for June-everyone wins!  You'll get another cup of Jimmy in July.

Good Selling!