Have you ever wanted some career advice but didn’t know who or how to ask? Talent Connect is a mentorship platform created by talent participants and designed to facilitate mentoring conversations between talent participants and willing mentors.
We interviewed Danielle Rees to find out what it’s like being a Talent Connect mentor and how you can take the first step in creating a career defining mentor relationship. Danielle is the Manager of the Humanitarian Cadet Program within Talent Programs. She loves her role as it combines her passion for social justice and skills in program management.
1. Tell us about Talent Connect and why you became a mentor.
The Talent Connect program facilitates mentoring opportunities for Talent Participants. It’s an online space that allows you to identify Transport colleagues with experience that is relevant to you and reach out to them to start a mentoring relationship. This makes it easier to seek advice and learn from those who have gone before you.
I’ve been fortunate to have learnt from a number of female mentors who have given me helpful and honest advice over the years. I became a mentor as a way to pay it forward and give back. It’s great creating bonds with mentees, and encouraging and supporting them in their careers.
2. What would you say to encourage Talent Participants to use the platform?
Don’t be afraid of asking a mentor to spend some time with you. Mentoring is a great development opportunity not only for you, but for your mentor too.
If you’re nervous about meeting with a mentor for the first time, structure the catch up more like a business meeting – this will give you a familiar structure to start with. Prepare and send them some questions beforehand so you have something to talk about. Once you become a little more comfortable you can make your meetings less formal.
If your first mentor isn’t the right fit, try meeting with someone else. If no one on Talent Connect has the advice you are looking for, approach someone you look up to in the office.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Take every opportunity! Put your hand up and give it a go - whether it’s going to networking events, joining an ELTP working group, volunteering for a committee or attending a lunch and learn.
Danielle is just one of the mentors listed on Talent Connect. Start your journey by visiting Talent Connect and signing up as a mentee or a mentor… or both!
Have you ever wanted some career advice but didn’t know who or how to ask? Talent Connect is a mentorship platform created by talent participants and designed to facilitate mentoring conversations between talent participants and willing mentors.
We interviewed Danielle Rees to find out what it’s like being a Talent Connect mentor and how you can take the first step in creating a career defining mentor relationship. Danielle is the Manager of the Humanitarian Cadet Program within Talent Programs. She loves her role as it combines her passion for social justice and skills in program management.
1. Tell us about Talent Connect and why you became a mentor.
The Talent Connect program facilitates mentoring opportunities for Talent Participants. It’s an online space that allows you to identify Transport colleagues with experience that is relevant to you and reach out to them to start a mentoring relationship. This makes it easier to seek advice and learn from those who have gone before you.
I’ve been fortunate to have learnt from a number of female mentors who have given me helpful and honest advice over the years. I became a mentor as a way to pay it forward and give back. It’s great creating bonds with mentees, and encouraging and supporting them in their careers.
2. What would you say to encourage Talent Participants to use the platform?
Don’t be afraid of asking a mentor to spend some time with you. Mentoring is a great development opportunity not only for you, but for your mentor too.
If you’re nervous about meeting with a mentor for the first time, structure the catch up more like a business meeting – this will give you a familiar structure to start with. Prepare and send them some questions beforehand so you have something to talk about. Once you become a little more comfortable you can make your meetings less formal.
If your first mentor isn’t the right fit, try meeting with someone else. If no one on Talent Connect has the advice you are looking for, approach someone you look up to in the office.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Take every opportunity! Put your hand up and give it a go - whether it’s going to networking events, joining an ELTP working group, volunteering for a committee or attending a lunch and learn.
Danielle is just one of the mentors listed on Talent Connect. Start your journey by visiting Talent Connect and signing up as a mentee or a mentor… or both!
