Celebrating National Mentoring Day

This year marks the tenth anniversary of National Mentoring Day. Founded in 2014 and inaugurated as an official National Day in the Houses of Parliament in 2016, National Mentoring Day is run by a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educating, connecting, supporting, and celebrating mentors and mentoring initiatives worldwide. Its mission is to make mentoring accessible to everyone.

As we celebrate National Mentoring Day on 27 October, we’d like to reflect on the benefits of mentoring for both mentors and mentees.

Benefits for the Mentee:

• clarification of goals – receiving guidance on setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound
• a sounding board – discussing challenges and receiving advice from someone who has walked a similar path
• skills and knowledge development – identifying and pursuing the skills necessary for growth
• network expansion – gaining introductions from the mentor that support the mentee’s goals
• accountability – staying on track, with a mentor to motivate and drive progress.

However, the benefits extend to mentors as well, including:

Benefits for the Mentor:

• reverse mentoring – developing new skills, knowledge, and perspectives from interactions with mentees
• personal satisfaction – gaining a real sense of accomplishment as the mentee grows and achieves their goals
• networking – as mentors help expand their mentees’ networks, they also broaden their own
• enhanced communication and relationship skills – improving skills like empathy and active listening, which support positive relationship-building
• self-reflection – reflecting on their own journey while sharing experiences with their mentee.

For both mentors and mentees, the mentoring process builds confidence: Forbes reports that 87% of participants feel empowered by their mentoring relationships, with increased confidence and career satisfaction.

As the team behind National Mentoring Day puts it, “Mentoring gives a sense of purpose to both parties. It’s not only good for business, it’s good for the soul!”

The ACT’s Mentor Me scheme allows experienced members to share their knowledge and insights, helping members and students develop essential business and behavioural skills. We encourage all members to take part—whether you’re a student new to treasury or a retired member ready to pass on your expertise and life skills. For further information on the scheme, click here.