About the author: Howdy, my name is Alex and I was an electrical engineering intern in the Engineering and Construction group at Williams. Now I am participating in an engineering study abroad program in Recife, Brazil. I’m also the loudest, proudest member of the Fight’n Texas Aggie Class of 2015, WHOOP!

The origins of mentoring are traced back to ancient Greece. Mentor is a character in The Odyssey who is placed in charge of Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, when Odysseus leaves for the Trojan War. The Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena, takes on the appearance of Mentor to guide young Telemachus in his time of difficulty. Because of Mentor’s relationship with Telemachus, the name has been adopted as a term for someone whose knowledge and experience can support professional growth and development.

Who is a mentor in today’s professional world?

Anyone who is experienced in your field and offers you career guidance, advice, and assistance can be a called a mentor. Mentoring relationships can be both formal and informal. Developing strong connections can give you access to new knowledge, contacts, and skills. My professional mentors have helped me set and achieve my goals, overcome challenges, and learn new perspectives. I highly recommend taking advantage of the valuable time and insight that mentors have to offer.

You can be a mentor too!

There are also huge benefits in becoming a mentor. Mentoring is an incredibly fulfilling experience and also a great learning opportunity. As a mentor you are given the chance to teach and also to learn. Mutual growth is often the result of a fruitful mentorship.

My experience here would not have been the same without the wisdom and guidance of my mentors. I encourage you to seek or become a mentor during your professional career.

“We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll