Breaking Down Mentoring Myths at USG

Mentorship can be one of the most powerful experiences in a student’s personal and professional growth, but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood. At the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), the Mentoring Program, housed in the Office of Strategic Partnerships, is designed to meet students where they are, with what they need, when they need it. They offer flexible opportunities to connect, grow, and discover new paths toward success. 

By the end of last academic year, there was a 110% increase in student participants in the mentoring program. The goal is to give every student at USG the opportunity to connect to a mentoring experience that adds to their portfolio of career preparedness tools.

To help demystify what mentoring really is (and isn’t), we sat down with Rebekah Taravella, Program Manager for the Mentoring Program at USG. Rebekah shared her insights on some of the most common misconceptions about mentoring, and how students can make the most of this supportive, transformative experience.

Myth 1: The one with all the accolades is who you want as a mentor.

While having someone at the top of their career is great to have in your network, they are not necessarily the ones who would be a good fit for what you are seeking. For some people, achievement just comes naturally so asking them how they got to the top may result in an unfulfilling answer like, “I just did!” or “I don’t recall.”

Find someone who is passionate about what they do and where they work. The best mentorships are with individuals who listen to you, empathize with where you are in your journey, and who want to see you succeed. They will be the ones to research with you ways to move towards your goals. An extra bonus: their enthusiasm may just rub off on you!

Myth 2: Mentoring is time consuming.

Mentoring is not time consuming - especially at USG. We learned through conversations with previous student mentees that they understood the importance and value of having a career mentor. The issue was that they were overwhelmed with trying to fit it in their schedule. We wanted to find a way that served each student where they were, with what they needed, when they needed it. Therefore, students can opt-in and out each semester and choose which type of mentoring they can manage with their schedule. Whether it is traditional - where you meet with a mentor at least three times during the semester, or meet with a mentor for an hour through the Career Insight session, students have the ability to make the connections that can help them accelerate their careers. The barriers are only the ones you choose to put up.

Myth 3: Mentors will give me all the answers I’m seeking.

Mentors do not have all the answers. If they did, what kind of fun would that be? Mentoring is about self-discovery with a little guidance and support from an outside source. It is about giving the students’ agency to forge their own career path.

Mentoring is also a two-way street. Both parties are learning from each other. You are both growing and learning together. 

Final Thoughts

• The answer will always be ‘no’ and the door will always be closed if you do not take the chance to go outside your comfort zone and forge your own path.
• Asking for help or guidance is not a weakness, but a skill that will get you far through your life and career.
• Mentors are there to support you along the way and never forget that the USG Mentoring Program will always be there for you. 

Students, visit the USG Mentoring program webpage to learn more about getting connected to a mentor.

Industry partners and professionals, visit the USG Mentoring Program Mentor Page for more information about becoming a mentor to students.