Show Up for Others by Serving as a Mentor

Volunteerism has always been a consistent force in my professional life. It is how I show up in it.

For over 20 years, I have mentored students as they figure out their career and graduate school trajectories and other professionals who support students while also navigating their own paths through this work. Mentoring is something I choose to do each day, not because I have to, but because it matters. It is how I give forward to the field that has given so much to me.

As an active member of the NACE Mentor Program, I have had the opportunity to build relationships with both early and later-career professionals across the country. The structure and strong platform enable relationships to form intentionally. Each mentee sets their own goals, and we meet regularly to check in on progress, work through a current professional issue, or brainstorm a new idea.

What truly stands out are the relationships that are created when space is made for volunteering as a mentor.

Strong mentorship is not about having all the answers or being everything to one person but about showing up consistently and creating a space where conversations can happen and trust is built over time.

One of the most important aspects I share with anyone I mentor is the importance of having multiple mentors in your life. No one mentor can meet every need, and each mentor can help you through a different aspect or phase of your professional life. One mentor may help you think more strategically, another may challenge you and push you to grow, while another can be a soft landing during times of transition and strife. Seeking out multiple mentors is where the true growth can occur.

Being named the 2025 NACE Mentor of the Year was an honor, but it also reinforced why I continue to do this work. The value lies not in the recognition but in the relationships built over time and the growth and development that transpire.

For anyone looking to up their volunteer game, consider mentoring. Everyone has something to share with others. You have learned much in your career that can help direct and inspire others. Strong mentors listen more than they speak. They encourage their mentees to keep striving and trying new things. To intentionally seek out new opportunities that may open doors down the road.

Mentoring is how I volunteer. It is my favorite way to give my time, energy, and expertise to others. It helps me stay connected to the purpose behind this work. It helps fill my cup and allows me to contribute in a lasting way.

When we think of volunteerism as an investment in people, mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to do so. April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month. This month, consider joining the NACE Mentoring Program and volunteering to show up for another professional. Mentoring someone can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your professional life.