SEEKING MENTORSHIP IN SPORTS REHAB
Why mentorship is a non-negotiable for new practitioners
Howdy y’all, my name is Shaun and I am an early professional who is passionate about mentorship! So, what is it about mentorship that makes me so passionate? Well to start, I have been fortunate enough to be mentored by many high-quality mentors at multiple points in my professional career. It is a culmination of their guidance and our hard work that has gotten me to where I am today. As an early professional who took a “non-traditional” path, I have been thankful for all the unique experiences given and, in some instances, shared with my fellow peers. It is a culmination of these experiences I feel to have a unique perspective on why one would seek out mentorship early on in your professional career.
So what exactly is mentorship?
Before we get into the bulk of this blog post, I would like to establish a definition found in the literature on the concept of mentorship and not regurgitate a standard Merriam-Webster’s definition. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Policy and Global Affairs; Board on Higher Education and Workforce
Mentorship can be defined as a professional, working alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners through the provision of career and psychosocial support.
Why do I need a mentor?
Now that we have mentorship clearly defined, why do we need it? Having a mentor gives you access to a trusted advisor who can provide proper guidance and support. Mentors can assist in 3 major areas, that can progress you career exponentially: professional, personal, and network development.
professional development
Mentors are a valuable resource of experience and knowledge. Whether you’re trying to learn a hands-on skill or understand a complex topic, having a mentor to reference is advantageous. This kind of direct feedback allows you to hone your professional development with confidence as you learn and grow in your professional career.
personal development
A mix of social and interpersonal skills, character traits, and professional attitudes are all components required to be successful in your professional career. Some of these traits are unique and are inherent to individuals, while other kinds of soft skills can be sharpened under the guidance of a mentor. Skills like leadership, adaptability, communication, teamwork and collaboration can all be cultivated under the right mentor.
network development
Possessing a strong network is vital component to a successful career. Gaining access to your mentor’s network can assist in expanding your own. This is especially true in certain niche fields, as the circles can be very close-knit and hard to gain access into. Having a mentor already in said fields allows you the opportunity to “rub elbows” with fellow professionals in these communities. Ultimately, for every new person your mentor introduces, may further lead to more career opportunities in the future.
get started today
As an early professional, mentorship can play a key role in achieving high levels of success in your personal and professional journey. A mentor can be a source of support, a trusted advisor, and potentially a lifelong friend. The impacts of a great mentor can be one of your strongest resources early on in your career and why you should seek one out!
MEET THE AUTHOR: shaun reghabi
Shaun is a self-described forever student. He started off as a PT tech before becoming an ATC and quickly followed it up with residency before deciding to pursue his DPT. He recently graduated University of St. Augustine and isn’t wasting any time before he begins his ortho PT residency in the fall and hopes to continue on to complete his OMPT fellowship. When he has free time you can find him with his family at the different foodie spots across the greater HTX area.
Follow Shaun:
Twitter: @theATPT
Instagram: @the_atpt
Linked In: Shaun Reghabi DPT, ATC/L, MS
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