As Gen Z enters the professional world—whether as interns or full-time employees—they are eager to learn, contribute to meaningful projects, and explore potential career paths. Having a mentor during this pivotal time can greatly enhance their experience by giving them someone to offer guidance, foster growth, and build a valuable connection that can shape their career journey.
For Gen Z, mentorship is more than just career advice; it’s about building meaningful relationships that can influence both personal and professional development. It's no surprise that mentorship programs increase retention rates, with 87% of mentees in a recent study saying they felt more connected to their organization because of a mentorship relationship. This is particularly important for Gen Z, who put strong emphasis on connection and collaboration in the workplace. In fact, 80% of Gen Z employees believe that having a mentor can help them grow professionally and build their careers with greater confidence.
Mentorship provides the opportunity for interns to not only gain insights into their immediate tasks but also to understand the larger company dynamics and culture. It’s an invaluable way to expose interns to new perspectives, challenge their thinking, and introduce them to areas of the business world they may not have considered. Here are some examples of what interns can learn from a mentor during their time in program:
- Explore Different Career Paths Within the Company
One of the most significant benefits of having a mentor during an internship is the exposure to different areas of the business. Mentors can help interns navigate through various departments, offering guidance on different career paths and showing them opportunities they may not have initially considered. An intern who starts out focused on marketing may realize through their mentor’s insights that they have a passion for product development or HR. This can ultimately shape their long-term career goals and guide them toward roles they may not have discovered on their own. - Develop Passion and Purpose
A mentor can also help interns uncover passions they didn't know they had. By listening to the mentor’s stories and experiences, interns may gain a clearer sense of purpose and enthusiasm for a specific area of the business. Whether it’s a passion for technology, sales, or leadership, mentors are there to help interns connect the dots between their skills, interests, and the company’s needs, fostering a deeper sense of engagement and commitment. - Gain Practical Insights and Experience
Interns are often thrown into the deep end when starting a new role. Having a mentor provides a safety net — someone who has "been there, done that" and can offer practical advice on how to navigate challenges, prioritize tasks, and make the most of their internship experience. A mentor can also help interns better understand company culture, giving them insights into workplace norms, expectations, and the unspoken dynamics that can be hard to grasp as someone new to the organization and professional world. - Receive Constructive Feedback
Gen Z values feedback — they want to know how they're doing and where they can improve. A mentor can offer real-time, constructive feedback that helps interns refine their skills, build confidence, and improve their performance. Having this feedback loop with a more experienced team member provides a supportive space for growth, helping the intern thrive both during the internship and beyond.
Making Mentorship a Key Part of Your Internship Program with Abode Matchmaking
Mentorship not only enhances the intern’s experience but also drives tangible business outcomes for organizations. According to research, companies with formal mentorship programs have 30-50% higher retention rates for employees, which is crucial when it comes to converting your internship talent into FTEs. For employers looking to foster long-term relationships with candidates, investing in structured mentorship programs can pay off both in terms of engagement and retention.
To optimize the mentorship experience for interns, it’s important to use the right tools. Abode’s Matchmaking platform offers a streamlined approach to connecting interns with the right mentors based on their interests, skills, and similar goals. By creating thoughtful mentor-mentee pairings and tracking their progress, you can ensure a successful and rewarding mentorship experience for everyone involved.
