MENTORS
Our Suggestions
We encourage mentors to focus less on having all the answers and more on helping someone take the next step. The most important thing you can do is support their growth, build their confidence, and keep learning at the center of the journey.
The Real Story.
Mentoring Gets People Ahead in the Professional World
In Northwest Ohio, support—like you—is steady, quiet, and there when needed. Your support will show up in making an introduction, pointing someone in the right direction, and giving someone a chance to learn and grow. You make sure people have options, rather than stepping into their decisions.
Mentorship is a proven way for people to grow in their careers. Mentoring helps individuals learn faster, build confidence, and make better decisions. Research also consistently shows that people with mentors are more successful, more satisfied, and more likely to stay and grow in their careers.
75% of executives say mentors played a key role in their success (HBR, 2023).
90% of employees with a mentor report being happy at work (HBR, 2023).
Employees with mentors are also more likely to be promoted and less likely to leave their jobs, with retention rates around 72% for mentees compared to 49% for those without mentoring (Mentorloop, 2026).
Just as important, mentorship benefits the mentor as well. Studies show that 97% of mentors say the experience helps them grow as leaders (Mentorloop, 2026).
Mentoring is not a one-way exchange—it’s a shared experience where both people learn, grow, and strengthen their connection to their work.
Be a Trusted Guide.
Suggested Discussion Topics
Career Readiness Strategies
Business dress and etiquette
Career event participation
Job searching
Resumes and cover letters
Interviewing and networking skills
Career and Workplace Expectations
Career tracks and exploration
Business types (small, large, corporate, family)
Job market trends
Workplace culture
Work/life balance
Entry-level expectations
Cultivate a Space for Exploration
Mentoring can occur in many different locations. Mentorship doesn’t always need to be formal; it can simply be time spent at a sporting event, a coffee shop, or a volunteer activity. One of the most important elements needed for a positive mentor-mentee relationship is space for exploration that includes:
Active Listening: “Seek first to understand, then be understood” (FranklinCovey). Give one’s full attention, ask clarifying questions, and reflect to ensure understanding.
Confidentiality: Discussions stay private, especially when considering career changes.
Personal Experiences: Being open about one’s own career challenges and decision-making steps/strategies.
Know Yourself First
It may be difficult to guide someone on their career path if you don’t reflect on your own journey first. While you don’t need pre-produced lessons and conversations to mentor, you should think about how you would answer the same questions you will ask your mentee. Reflecting on your career preparation, training, journey, strengths, etc. will help you share better insight with your mentee every time you connect.
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Bowling Green State University
Rhodes State College
Tiffin University
University of Findlay
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Get Involved In Existing Programs
Mentoring Resources
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Career One-Pagers
Raise the Bar’s specially designed career one-pagers connecting career seekers to local exploration and funding opportunities.
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Mentor & Mentee Guide
University of Kentucky’s structure and suggested discussion topics for mentors and mentees, especially those in college.
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Major Employers
Regional Growth Partnership maintains a list of major employers across Northwest Ohio.
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"Match Mentor" Modules
The Ohio State University provides 13 mentor-developed lessons and modules to help guide conversations.
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Engagement Checklist
Xavier University provides an “Engagement Checklist for Mentors” to remind mentors and mentees of conversation topics.
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Goal & Discussion Guide
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) provides this mentee goal and discussion guide for a semester-long mentorship.