Why I wish I'd found a mentor sooner by Pauline Smith
Why I wish I'd found a mentor sooner by Pauline Smith
After years of mentoring informally, internal communication specialist and #IChoseIC ambassador Pauline Smith made a conscious commitment through the Institute of Internal Communication Mentoring Scheme – and discovered just how powerful mentoring can be, for both mentor and mentee.
For many years, I’ve mentored people informally - as a manager, colleague, contractor, and freelance supplier. But formally volunteering through the Institute of Internal Communication Mentoring Scheme is different. It’s a conscious commitment – and one that I take seriously.
Mentoring is a win/win.
It's a way for me to use my 30+ years' experience in, and knowledge of, internal comms to give something back and help people in a way I wish I’d been helped.I get to meet other internal comms professionals and create invaluable connections.I learn about my mentees’ work and provide a sounding board for them to share their ideas and discuss any challenges they’re navigating.
The biggest win of all? When a mentee shares positive feedback from stakeholders and I know I've helped in some small way.
Looking back, there are many moments where mentoring would have helped me navigate my squiggly career:
getting to grips with a new contract
coping through periods of self-doubt
finding new clients and dealing with challenging ones
or simply having someone to talk to who's 'been there' and 'got the t-shirt'.
Ironically, I've worked closely with HR leaders and teams to help them raise awareness and take-up of internal mentoring schemes for years – yet I've never invested in myself by becoming a mentee?!!
So, if you’re considering mentoring – as a mentor or a mentee – my advice is go for it!
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Simon McMurdo joined the Advanced Diploma wanting evidence to back up his instincts. He came away with a network of IC peers, sharper strategic thinking, and the confidence to advise leaders with confidence.
Emma Cash, communications business partner at British Airways, explains how frontline experience, trust and visibility shape IC across a complex operation.
Jacqueline Ryan, Senior Internal Communications Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, made the move into internal communication from a science and manufacturing background, with some imposter syndrome along the way. She shares how working towards her 40 CPD points a year built her knowledge, credibility and confidence, and became a lasting habit of continuous learning.
This is the final call for IOIC members to apply for Fellowship, the profession's highest distinction. If you have ten or more years in internal communication and are shaping strategy, mentoring others or recognised as an expert in your field, now is the time to apply.
Log in to your member dashboard to access the application form before applications close.
