The start of a new year often brings feelings of motivation and intention – a fresh start to make plans for the things you will accomplish, and ways you want to improve and grow. In many cultures, setting a new year resolution, or goal, is common practice. Often, at least for ambitious professionals, those goals revolve around career growth and professional development.
So, it seems only fitting that several notable dates in the month of January pay homage to the concept of mentorship, a highly effective and sought-after method of professional development. In the United States, January is National Mentoring Month, while 17 January is International Mentoring Day and 21 January is Thank Your Mentor Day. After all, as French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry famously expresses in his classic novel Le Petit Prince, “a goal without a plan is just a wish.” The essence of mentorship is planning for, actioning, retooling and accomplishing goals with a trusted professional advisor to reach your ultimate pinnacle of success.
As we press forward into 2024 and celebrate the invaluable practice of mentorship this January, it is a good time to reflect on what you are doing to make your goals and resolutions for the new year actionable, and not just another wish.
If you aren’t sure where to start, or feel you need some guidance, working with a mentoring partner may be an avenue to explore. The 70-20-10 learning and development model originated by Michael Lombardo and Robert Eichinger tells us that while 70% of our learning comes through on-the-job training and 10% comes from formal coursework, a crucial 20% comes through connection with others: through coaching and mentoring relationships.
But where to start? For IT/IS professionals, ISACA offers a free, members-only mentorship program to help people find their professional partners. Since its launch, hundreds of mentors and mentees have gained invaluable support and made connections that have aided in conquering career goals and reaching their next level of success. By the numbers:
- Over 1,500 professionals have joined the program, and more than 500 available mentors are ready and waiting to support a mentee right now.
- Each connection is outfitted with tools, technology, and a 6-month connection plan with more than 25 suggested tasks and activities to facilitate the partnership.
- Mentorships can be conducted entirely virtually, with participant representation in nearly 120 countries.
- Over 700 pairs have already completed a mentorship in the ISACA Mentorship Program, with 91% of mentees stating they were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience.
But, you don’t have to take my word for it:
“[My mentee’s] deep-down desire was evident. He encouraged me to do more with my own career.” - ISACA Mentor
“Through mentorship, I’ve discovered that the true measure of success lies not only in personal achievements but in the empowerment and growth of those we guide. As a mentor, my joy is found in the shared journey of learning, overcoming challenges, and witnessing the transformative impact of mentorship on both mentor and mentee.” - ISACA Mentor
“I’m glad ISACA offers the mentorship program to connect with those who want to learn more about technology, audit or just need a listening ear. As working professional, sometimes what we lack in our jobs is that person who will listen without judgement, guide with purpose and provide insight when asked. This is what the ISACA Mentorship Program allowed me to do as a mentor.” - ISACA Mentor
“I appreciate the opportunity to engage in active discussion (and active growth) with an individual whom I otherwise would have had no direct opportunity to meet. The timeliness of our engagement was interesting in that we both experienced significant events in our companies which may have otherwise derailed our positive outlook, but with the benefit of built-in valuable professional reflection of the mentor program, it was just another blip in a series of events.” - ISACA Mentor
“The ISACA Mentorship Program allowed me to work with a mentor who had skills, knowledge and passion to help me expand my passion with risk and governance. His dedication to the practice and willingness to help me grow was more than I expected.” - ISACA Mentee
“This program helped my develop relationships outside of my existing organization, develop understanding that is applicable to my current role and spurred me into new learning opportunities.” - ISACA Mentee
“What I loved is I was able to choose my mentor and not the other way around. I found his profile in the first place because of a skills rating system … and that helped me choose him and thus have a very successful mentorship.” - ISACA Mentee
“Learning through the ISACA Mentoring Program is an invaluable experience. The connections built are long-lasting, impactful beyond the program and open you up to a world of knowledge through industry leaders you never may have ever met.” - ISACA Mentee
“My mentorship experience was incredibly rewarding. My mentor guided me through my career path, provided valuable resources and supported me during my job search. His sense of humor made difficult situations easier to handle. This journey has not only prepared me for my career but also helped me grow as an individual.” - ISACA Mentee
In closing, and in celebration of Mentorship Month, I challenge everyone with a professional goal for 2024 to not just set the intention, but to take charge of your success. Remember – a goal without a plan is just a wish. What’s your plan? And if you don’t know yet, or you want additional support, you’re invited to join us in the members-only ISACA Mentorship Program.