Mentorship done well can be a powerful experience and launching pad in the life of a professional. This is especially true for young professionals.

A Deloitte study found that nearly 70 percent of young professionals with a mentor intend to stay with their organization for more than five years. Perhaps even more compelling is that 79 percent of young professionals view mentoring as a crucial aspect of having a successful career, according to a Twomentor study. 

Mentors can serve as invaluable guides for young professionals. These trusted advisers provide mentees a safe space to share their questions and concerns as they navigate the growing pains of developing in their professional careers. Mentors possess the power to open doors and increase access.

They can help mentees navigate huge career and life changes. Perhaps most importantly, mentors can simply provide a listening ear. After all, a global study by The Workforce Institute at UKG found that organizations are much more likely to perform well financially (88 percent) when their employees feel heard, engaged, and feel a sense of belonging.

Mentorship and its many benefits are not a new concept, yet many do not know where to begin. Should it be a formal process? Is it OK to ask a respected acquaintance to be your mentor? Should your mentor be in the same industry? How often should you meet? 

The Greenville Chamber Young Professionals Pacesetters program is one answer that cuts through the confusion to provide a clear, effective, and simple solution. Pacesetters is a group mentoring program designed to connect high-potential young professionals with some of the Upstate’s most innovative and successful leaders. Mentors are community leaders from varying and diverse fields and backgrounds.

This program affords its members the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through training sessions, mentoring with successful leaders and networking with other young professionals. The small-group format allows this program to be tailored to its individual members so they can receive the greatest benefit possible. The program begins in January and is currently accepting applications at www.greenvillechamber.org. 

No one should have to navigate the twists and turns, ups and downs of their career alone. Mentors are powerful difference makers who can make the professional journey more fulfilling and engaging. 

Megan Campbell is Marketing and Communications Director for the Greenville Chamber.