Tonight (Monday, February 18) is the first #HAPPO chat of 2013.
Mentorship: Attire Edition
Part networking group, part jobs board, part learning cooperative, I’m so glad that the group will be exploring a very important topic at this point of the organization’s growth: mentorship in the PR industry.
We get the word “mentor” from Greek mythology. As Odysseus prepared to take part in the Trojan War, he tasked his friend Mentor, an older man, with watching his son Telemachus. Mentor provided guidance to young Telemachus – and was even impersonated by the goddess Athena who had wisdom of her own to impart.
Throughout the course of a career, you will likely have several mentors, people ahead of you in their professional journey who give you sage advice. You will likely also be that wise older professional, too, at some point.
When it all fits into place, you will have mentors AND be a mentor to others at the same time. Of course, a great mentor-mentee relationship can be quite beneficial to both parties.
Take, for example, the major story arc of the just-completed 30 Rock: Jack Donaghy mentoring Liz Lemon. While their relationship bordered on absurd and cartoony, the mentorship angle was hit spot-on. They are involved in the other’s career, making them more effective in their own.
Not all mentors works in the same company you do, and not all mentors are involved in your day-to-day life. Some mentors may be from another generation, while others may just be a few years older. And, yes, you can be mentored by someone younger than you.
This chat will help you find the right mentor and build that relationship.
But there is also something there for people that aren’t in the market for a new mentor, because, congratulations, it’s time for you to start giving back! So many of the #HAPPO champions are already mentoring others, so we’ll be able to help you learn how to start that phase of your career.
All you have to do to join is follow the #HAPPO hashtag at 9pm ET Monday, February 18.
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