Mentoring

EVT spoke with 2011 National Veterinary Business Management Association President Ashley Craig about the benefits of mentoring.

Read further to discover her perspective as a student leader and member of the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Class of 2012 on what a mentorship can offer. EVT learns the things to consider as well as take advantage of, how best to handle a mentoring relationship, and what mentoring can do for the individual offering the mentorship as well as the person being mentored.

1. What are you looking for in a mentorship, in general?

I want a mentor that I can admire and respect; someone I could see myself “growing up” to be like. It is important that you feel comfortable with your mentor and share similar values, and that the mentor can think outside the box at the same time as helping you develop your skills and confidence.

2. How would mentoring differ for you in your early career as opposed to later on? For example, what would you want from a mentor in your first year or so at a practice, and how would you want to be mentored maybe 10 or 15 years into the profession?

Early in your career the value of a mentor lies in helping you develop as a practitioner while still facilitating your development through suggestion, instead of telling you what to do. Later on a mentor becomes less like a parent and more like a sibling - someone to bounce ideas off, provide a fresh perspective, challenge you all while providing honest feedback.

3. How might a solo practitioner attract graduate students to a new practice?

By being open to teaching and learning. The “next generation” of veterinary practitioners appreciates knowing that the clinic isn’t just about putting their nose to the grindstone and working till they pass out. A common misconception is that my generation isn’t willing to work hard; this is not true. We enjoy working hard and smart, but we also appreciate the human-animal bond and want more from a clinic than just a job.

4. Some veterinary students and experienced veterinarians alike might wonder if having a mentor might bring its own issues. Where do you think a good balance lies in how much mentoring is offered?

The situation and individuals involved will dictate where the good balance lies on the spectrum of mentorship. As long as respect is maintained and both individuals are benefiting from the mentorship, then it is a positive relationship.

5. If a situation were to not work out, how would you “break up with” your mentor? Do you think it would work to find a new one at the same location?

For the most part, negative mentorship relationships die off on their own. If one party isn’t invested into the relationship, then it won’t work. Sometimes a simple conversation regarding what you need from your mentor may help clear up the situation and turn a negative situation into a positive situation.

As far as finding a new mentor in the same location, as long as you handle yourself in a positive manner and do not refer negatively to your past mentor, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

6. Do you recommend a formal mentoring program, either at veterinary schools or as part of a clinical policy?

I personally feel that a formal mentorship program might place too many stipulations on the relationship. A better approach for everyone involved would be to have guidelines and possibly a database of mentors along with verbally discussing the benefits involved with having a positive mentor/mentee relationship. This allows students and new clinic employees to pursue a mentor without mandating what the relationship should consist of.

7. What is your favorite story about a mentoring experience you’ve heard of, or experienced?

One of my personal favorite stories is about a mentor that I had as an undergraduate student. I was working at a small animal clinic for the first time in my life. One of the doctors in the practice took me under his wing and helped include me in each case. He also took the time to help me develop an interest in the practice management side of the clinic. I credit him for my appreciation for business that eventually led me into getting involved with the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) at my veterinary school and then nationally as the President of the VBMA. I still consider this veterinarian a friend and a mentor. He often times will call me just to see how vet school is going and to encourage me in my journey.

8. Are there personality types you feel would benefit the most from mentoring? Any types that should probably steer clear??

Everyone can benefit from mentorship. Personality types should not detour people from seeking mentorship or mentees. As a mentor, it is important to understand the differences in personality types and what each mentee’s personality type to help make the most of the mentorship experience.

9. What would you say are the benefits to the individual offering the mentorship?

Paying it forward. At some point in everyone’s career, we have all had a mentor that has helped shape our future. By being a positive mentor for the next generation, you are not only improving your future colleagues, but you might actually learn something new!

10. Any other thoughts on this subject that you would like to present to our readers?

Mentorship can make a lasting impact on not only the mentee but also the mentor. You do not have to be established in your career and be a noted clinician to be a mentor. Mentorship can occur on many levels even among classmates or internship colleagues, or even to a younger high school student that wants to know more about the exciting world about veterinary medicine. We all can make a positive impact from where we stand in our life now through mentorship.