Information Letter and Process Approval Link for Graduate Mentors

Dear Graduate Mentor,

First of all, thank you for participating in the BTU Mentorship Program.

Sharing your experience and knowledge with our students and supporting them on their developmental journey is of great value, both for them and for society.

As part of the BTU Career Model, you have been matched with a student (mentee) to support their development journey by sharing your professional experience and knowledge.

Your Mentee’s Name:________________________
Your Mentee’s Email Address:________________________

Within the scope of the BTU Mentorship Program:

First and second-year students are matched with graduate mentors selected from alumni of their department, while third and fourth-year students are assigned sector mentors from relevant fields (public, private, academic, etc.).
At the beginning of each fall semester, mentors are matched with students by their department.
You are expected to meet with your assigned student at least 4 times throughout the fall and spring semesters. However, within this pilot study, at least 2 meetings are expected during the spring semester.
Meetings can be conducted face-to-face or on an online platform (preferably online).
The content of the meetings is to be determined mutually by the student and the mentor, focusing on topics that support the student’s career planning process.
If you wish to be matched with a different student, you may email your request to the BUKAGEM Faculty Representative in your department.
After your meetings, you will be asked to provide feedback to the Career Center regarding the process.

BEFORE STARTING YOUR MENTORSHIP MEETINGS, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO READ THE INFORMATION IN THE LINK BELOW AND PROVIDE YOUR APPROVAL.

Approval Link: https://forms.gle/hZs8Qeker7tqzFFL8

YOU MAY START YOUR MENTORSHIP MEETINGS WITHIN 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE THIS EMAIL IS RECEIVED.

Warm regards,
BTU Career Development Application and Research Center (BUKAGEM)

What is Mentorship?

Mentorship is a mutual learning process in which a more experienced individual (mentor) provides knowledge, guidance, and support to someone less experienced (mentee). As a mentor, you can help the student clarify their goals, realize their potential, and progress on their career path.

Key Elements of Effective Mentorship

Build Trust: Create a safe and open communication environment through a sincere and understanding approach.
Value Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of personal information shared by the student.
Be a Good Listener: Actively listen to understand the student's needs.
Offer Guidance: While sharing your knowledge and experiences, guide rather than dictate during decision-making processes.
Encourage Motivation: Help boost the student’s self-confidence by highlighting their strengths.
Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Guide the student by considering their capabilities.

What Should Be Avoided in the Mentorship Process?

Do not be judgmental: Avoid belittling the student’s thoughts or questions.
Do not impose your views: Allow the student to make their own choices.
Do not remain passive: Respond to the student’s needs in a timely manner and stay engaged in the process.
Do not breach confidentiality: Ensure that shared information remains between you and the mentee.

What Can You Do in the Mentorship Process?

Goal Setting and Planning:

Deep Understanding: Learn not only about the student’s general goals but also why they are motivated to achieve them, how they define success, and the challenges they may face. Use open-ended questions (e.g., “How will you feel once you achieve this goal?”) to gather deeper insights.
SMART Goals: Help the student define their goals clearly. Break large goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Action Plan: Determine concrete tasks and timelines for each step. Schedule regular meetings to track progress.

Guidance and Counseling:

Provide Information and Resources: Recommend reliable resources (books, online courses, professionals) on academic success, personal development, internships, and job applications. Share insights about industry trends.
Critical Thinking: Encourage the student to develop critical thinking skills, consider different perspectives, and make independent decisions.
Be a Role Model: Inspire the student by sharing your own professional experiences and how you overcame challenges. Focus on the lessons learned and skills gained rather than self-praise.

Overcoming Challenges:

Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Rather than offering direct solutions, guide the student in analyzing problems, evaluating alternative solutions, and choosing the best strategy.
Encourage Independence: Allow the student to take responsibility and make independent decisions. Be supportive without over-intervening.

Empowerment and Motivation:

Boost Confidence and Celebrate Achievements: Help the student recognize their strengths and talents. Celebrate all accomplishments, big or small, to emphasize their importance and increase motivation. For example: “Your effort and creative approach in this project were really impressive—keep it up!”
Moral Support and Encouragement: Be there for your student during tough times and adopt a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Help them see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Phrases like “You’re learning a lot from this experience—you’ll be stronger in your next step” can help keep their spirits high.

How Can You Address Frequently Asked Questions?

In response to “How should I shape my career?”, help the student explore their interests and strengths.
For “What should I do for my first job/internship application?”, assist with résumé preparation and interview tips.
For “How can I build industry connections?”, explain the importance of professional networking and methods for doing so.

Why Is Your Contribution Important?

With your experience and knowledge, you can help our students take their first steps into professional life with greater confidence and preparation.
By sharing your sectoral connections and expertise, you contribute to both their professional and social skills development.
You add value to society by supporting the development of young professionals.
You can expand your own vision through the fresh perspectives of the new generation.

We hope your mentorship experience will be inspiring for students and meaningful and fulfilling for you. Remember, every piece of guidance and knowledge you share will be a crucial step shaping a young person’s future.

Wishing you a successful mentorship journey!

Warm regards,
BTU Career Development Application and Research Center (BUKAGEM)

I have read the information above and I agree and commit to abide by the confidentiality principles and mentor responsibilities during the mentor-mentee meetings.

Approval Link: https://forms.gle/hZs8Qeker7tqzFFL8