Published 28th Oct 2024
Mentee Ruxandra Simion
Head of Unit, Golin Romania
Why did you apply to be a mentee?
I never had this experience before, and I have never been in the position of having a career and professional navigator that can guide me, listen to me, be empathetic towards very specific needs and problems. Which is actually what a mentor is, in my opinion. I was curious as to what this programme could offer me. The opportunity came up in a time in which I was facing a lot of professional changes and challenges in the work field, especially in the teams I was coordinating. So, I perceived it as a perfect match in terms of timing.
What are you looking to achieve from the programme?
I never had specific expectations – It was very difficult for me to set some specific objectives. Overall, I was looking for an advisor with whom I would understand better the path that our domain is going, I would discover new opportunities for my professional development and fresh perspectives regarding team management and leadership, client service, business development and creativity.
What’s been your standout moment as a mentee so far?
I don’t think I had a standout moment or at least, I don’t feel like I had one. But nevertheless, I had many revelations throughout the mentoring sessions and the group workshops.
Why would you advise others to apply to be a mentee?
To gain the type of guidance and support that is more profound and more insightful than any other book, event or workshop. It is an experience that impacts you positively not only at a professional level (as expected), but also at a personal one.
How are you using what you have learned as a mentee in your career?
First of all, the main learning in the mentee program was actually about the importance of a career path. Not only about setting objectives, but about having a deep and analysis of your abilities, know-how, desires, needs, and projecting them to a higher self. It really set in motion an entire professional process for me, that determined to make a shift in my career, and develop together with the agency I am currently working at, a new business unit.
Secondly, the same learning boosted not only my individual path, but also the path of the team that I am coordinating, because I applied the same framework to their evolution and assessment, and they really felt that they have predictability in their career now.
