Professional Mentorship

 The value of a mentor is well known; individuals with mentors enjoy greater job satisfaction, earn higher salaries, and are more likely to be promoted. In addition, mentees are typically more engaged, have more accountability to others, are less prone to job hopping, and are more often included in leadership development programs. In short, the presence of a mentor positively impacts not only the individual but the organization and society as a whole.

 As a mentor, I utilize my experiences and expertise to navigate the corporate world helping the individual to endure challenges, make informed decisions, and avoid common pitfalls. I also offer feedback and suggest resources to enhance skill development and facilitate opportunities for growth. My extensive network of senior professionals allows me to make introductions and provide access to both domestic and international opportunities. Most importantly, I offer mentees personal support, encouragement, and motivation to help them navigate professional and personal challenges.

 I began the connection with a number of my mentees as student advisees at the university. From course advisement to providing potential initial employer contacts to company advancement alternatives to complete career changes, I’ve provided a broader and deeper industry perspective and helped build their confidence by affirming their strengths, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging them to embrace the new challenge. Along the way many of their coworkers have also become mentees. I have been privileged to continue as mentor for a number of these individuals for over twenty years.

 Gaines Consulting offers both formal and informal mentorships. All are structured to provide general guidance and advice, networking opportunities, goal setting, and motivation and confidence building.