Background: Management, HR, Education
Mentor for: Yousif
Why did you want to become a mentor at SAJO?
Now that I’m retired, I suddenly have free time that I’d like to fill with something meaningful. These are, after all, capable people who have a lot to contribute, but who may need help entering the Norwegian job market. Successful integration is, of course, important for everyone involved!
Can you describe a typical meeting with your mentee?
Our primary focus is on assessing the participant’s skills, helping them create a strong resume, finding relevant job openings to apply for, and writing a strong application. We also try to help them understand Norwegian culture and the job market. Of course, the interpersonal aspect is also important! Showing that we care, supporting and comforting them when needed, and challenging them at other times.
I usually met with “my” first mentee at a café downtown (Kulturhuset), but also at my home. Now that there are two mentors and three mentees meeting, we need a quieter space, and we’ve been fortunate enough to borrow a group room from SAJO. We also communicate via email, WhatsApp, and phone for follow-ups, clarifications, and discussions.
What has been the most rewarding for you?
It’s rewarding to meet positive and interested young people from other cultures. And for me, it’s inspiring to be able to be of help and support others who may even be going through a challenging phase in their lives. I find this meaningful, and I look forward to every meeting!
Have you learned anything new?
Well…. Maybe it just confirmed what I already knew.
What would you say to others who are considering becoming mentors?
If you enjoy working with young people, know how to “navigate” the Norwegian job market, and are looking for meaningful work—become a mentor!
This year, you're trying out a group mentoring arrangement with another mentor and three mentees. Can you tell us a little about the background and your experiences with this?
I have worked extensively with leadership programs and leadership development, and have had positive experiences placing participants in triad groups. These groups work together during the sessions and are responsible for supporting and challenging one another, as well as following up with one another between sessions.
We want to try this out here at SAJO as well. And so far, our expectations have been met: We mentors complement and support one another, and it seems that the mentees are positively inspiring each other. There’s a mix of laughter and seriousness, and a good dynamic at our meetings.