Does Mentoring Really Work?
If anyone even slightly doubts that each of us can positively affect the life and career of a mentee, then this post should restore a bit of faith. Mentoring can give a mentee more than just new-found knowledge.
One of the members of NSPE’s Mentoring Task Force recently learned that one of his former employees had been promoted to the post of municipal engineer to fill the vacancy resulting from the promotion of his boss to the position of municipal administrator. He called the fellow to congratulate him, but missed him, leaving a voicemail message of congratulations. A few days later, our member received an e-mail from the brand new municipal engineer that provided him with a great deal of inner satisfaction and a reward that he had never sought, but truly appreciated. He has furnished us with a slightly edited version to keep the parties anonymous, but other than that, the words are truly those of a mentee who never forgot the experience and values gained through their relationship. Our member doesn't seek any sort of pat on the back or personal recognition, but he thought that seeing a real-life expression of the value of mentoring might make for a good blog entry. The slightly modified e-mail appears below:
Dear Mentor:
It was great to hear from you. You were the first person to congratulate me outside the municipal staff. I'm sorry I missed your call and that it has taken me a while to get back to you.
I just wanted you to know that this promotion is the latest in my career that all began when I was working for your firm. Who knew then that your advice to get my license would lead here?
Thank you for all your help over the years and your inspiration to be a good engineer. Trying to emulate the way you are as an engineer and person has kept me improving myself both professionally and personally.
I look forward to seeing you at our chapter meetings.
Thanks,
Anonymous PE
Township Engineer
Director of Municipal Services
