Whether you are a student of interpreting wanting to focus your attention on a particular part of the job, or an experienced interpreter needing some short-term support with a specific problem, or perhaps wishing to branch out into a new domain of work, mentoring sessions can prove to be invaluable.

Mentoring is available in 90 minute sessions, in person or via webcam.

Personal Mentoring is included in the ESP package each quarter.

If you are interested, please contact David.

Is Mentoring for you?

If you are thinking of engaging a mentor the following can be used as a list of ideas to help you focus. Some of the points also give information regarding the mentoring relationship. Use the list as a guide and choose what seems most relevant to you.

Prior to your first meeting with your mentor, write down at least three things you would like to achieve through mentoring. Rank these in order of importance to you.

Also write down three things that concern you most about meeting with your mentor. Rank these in order of importance.

If not included in either of the lists created above, write down three attitudes or perspectives you will be able to provide during the mentoring sessions.

If possible, write down three things about yourself that might get in the way of you being able to make the most of the mentoring opportunity.

If not included in your lists, write down three things you would like your mentor to provide.

Prepare a brief autobiography based on the above lists that you can share with your mentor when you first meet. Include your own vision, mission, or life goals.

Dealing with time can be a key aspect of the success of mentoring try to be clear about your needs.

Many mentoring partnerships rely on formal, written agreements. The ingredients of such a contract are typically negotiated, but usually include answers to the "who is going to do what and when" logistical questions.  In many cases such agreements spell out the purpose of the mentoring and may even include a list of career goals and work activities expected to achieve these goals. Learn about your mentor's perspective about such agreements and discuss what ought to be included.

Be prepared and work at the relationship in order to demonstrate initiative, leadership and self-reliance. Explore alternative options for asking questions or gaining information other than just relying on your mentor. For example, if there is a policy manual, make sure you have read through it before asking your mentor about it. On the other hand, keep your mentor in the picture by letting the mentor know why you are asking a particular question after having explored other options.

The focus of most successful mentoring is mutual learning. Feel free to explore what you have to offer the mentor. A sense of humour and a sense of enjoyment of you time together are essential as well. If your needs are not being met, discuss this with your mentor.

Terminating a mentoring relationship or switching to a different mentor are not signs of failure. Recognising your changing needs and find a respectful way to meet your goals are one of the keys to successful mentoring.