Aircraft Maintenance Technology

JAN-FEB 2017

The aircraft maintenance professional's source for technological advancements, maintenance alerts, news, articles, events, and careers

Issue link: http://amt.epubxp.com/i/789984

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 24 of 59

www.AviationPros.com 25 industry and get a perspective that you might not find in the daily working envi- ronment. If you make a great connection with someone, it might lead to a future positive mentor/mentee relationship. All panelists agreed that involvement in industry associations is a great way to network and potentially find a men- tor. "Associations can create 'the perfect storm' for finding a good mentor as an environment that provides you access to other like-minded leaders in the industry," added Spaulding. THE PATH TO SUCCESS Many young professionals are eager to be successful, but don't know where to start. Mentors can help them set reasonable goals and provide them with appropri- ate responsibilities. Development often requires being challenged to take on tasks or roles that offer growth and is the first step toward career and profes- sional success. Spaulding says that patience is key, and a good way for mentees to learn is for mentors to share their own experi- ences and help set realistic goals. Boggus believes in working with the individual to create a path toward measurable goals so success can be seen at every step. It's essential for mentees to establish long-term career goals that they can share with their mentor, enabling them to work productively together to achieve success. Mentorship starts with getting to know each other — teaching and learn- ing will follow. KEY LEARNINGS As I look back on my professional career, I have learned valuable lessons from my mentoring relationships. I've had great opportunities in my career, but early on I did not take the time to set my long- term goals and outline ways to achieve them. I learned that new professionals should start planning and shaping their career from the beginning to achieve a rewarding career and professional suc- cess. It's imperative to take time to reflect on where you want your career to take you and I encourage all professionals to shape their career instead of allowing their career to "happen" to them. Throughout the spirited discussion, a few key themes emerged. First, mentor- ships are for everyone. No one is ever too old to be mentored, because there is always more to learn. The least intelligent person in the room is the one who thinks they already know all there is to know. Even successful professionals need guid- ance, advice and counsel, or a different perspective to help them become better leaders and collaborative team members. A good mentoring connection generally starts with personalities that mesh, and evolves into a mutually beneficial rela- tionship based on trust and investment by both members. Lastly, it is a good strategy to have more than one mentor and the concept of a 'panel' of mentors or advisors, was eye opening. Professor Randy Berg said, "I tell my students to develop their own board of directors … choose three or four people that you really trust and turn to them when mak- ing big decisions." This group of trusted advisors is some- thing that I've been cultivating over the years without necessarily thinking about it. I now plan on making a conscious effort to maintain my 'board of direc- tors' as my mentor relationships evolve and encourage all professionals to do the same. In conclusion, moderator Kristin Shaw summed it up beautifully for the audience: "Mentoring doesn't always involve just one person but a collection of knowledge passed down from experienced people in the industry." Mentors are an essential part of every successful career. JENNIE SANTORO, NCARB, AIA, serves as project architect for HNTB Corp. She is a licensed architect in California, member of Airport Consultants Council Young Professionals Forum, mentor with ACE Mentor Program for high school students and mentor with AIA Los Angeles. Contact her at jsantoro@HNTB.com. POWER Reliable BY GILL Best shelf life, discharge and recharge in lead-acid chemistry FAA and PMA approved TSO Authorized Tested to DO-160E Light Weight/High Strength Aluminum Case Fully Automatic: 3 Stage Charger Charge Status LEDs: Power On, Charging & Fully Charged 2-Year Warranty 1.316.733.9240 rfq@globalparts.aero www.globalparts.aero Now powering King Air, Pilatus and Learjet aircraft with Gill 7000 series batteries and GC-024 24VDC chargers. AviationPros.com/company/10451249

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Aircraft Maintenance Technology - JAN-FEB 2017