Find out how the mentoring partnership works

The graduate engineer’s view

I appreciated having a mentor when I started work. Karin answered those questions that seemed too obvious to ask and helped me settle in. Now I’ve progressed further we focus on my professional development meeting quarterly to review what I’ve achieved and to set realistic goals for the following months. But I can always call on Karin between meetings if I need help or advice.

Before we meet I identify any key issues I need to discuss with her so that we use the time well. I have got into the good habit of summarising what I do on a daily basis. I refer to these for my reviews, but they will also be a vital reference resource when I write my professional review report.

Karin has only recently achieved chartered status herself, so she is really in tune with what it is like to be a graduate engineer. She is great at listening impartially to my thoughts and frustrations and giving me an objective viewpoint. She’s someone I can turn to for advice on how to approach my line manager for training or for tips on travelling abroad. I enjoy learning from a successful engineer and I’ve made a very good friend.

Adam Cox, associate process engineer, Fluor Limited, MEng chemical engineering, Imperial College London (2005)

The engineering mentor’s view

Ultimately I want to help Adam achieve chartered status. At the start I simply introduced him to the company and its procedures, but now I work with him so that he gains the right experience to achieve chartered status with the Institution of Chemical Engineers. I’ll also support him when he prepares for professional review.

It’s important that I listen carefully to Adam and give him the best guidance on what can realistically be achieved at every stage of his training. Reviewing Adam’s daily work summaries helps me to identify opportunities where he can maximise his engineering experience. We discuss his training needs so he can confidently address these with relevant managers. It helps that he is proactive and takes responsibility for his own development. I enjoy giving encouragement and I hope this helps Adam to become more independent and confident as an engineer in this business. Having recently completed a graduate programme myself, I’m also keen to share my own experiences.

Being a mentor definitely has benefits: I have gained mentoring skills and a friend. It’s an important work relationship to which I’m pleased to commit time. It’s good to see a younger member of the department developing.

Karin Sydow, process engineer, Fluor Limited, MEng chemical engineering, Cambridge (2000)