‘Instructor’s Name’
‘Subject’
Mentorship report
- What do you like about this work?
The mentor said that the thing he liked most about his work is a plethora of things like, leading people, working as a team, flexibility to plan his schedule, exercising control over business decisions and building customer relationships. He also adds that financial benefits, such as pay and bonuses, and sense of accomplishment, are two other criteria which he likes about his job.
His answer highlights how personal relationships and self-esteem plays an important role in motivating a person on his job. The mentor clearly enjoys the freedom and flexibility offered by his job as a GM, which allows him to make crucial decisions and be in control. Also, the group harmony plays an important role, with the mentor saying he enjoys working with his team. Last but not least, financial aspects like the salary and incentives, plays a vital role in job satisfaction.
- What kind of tasks do people do? What else is involved in working here (or in this field)?
The mentor works in a bank, and, as we all know, it involves many kinds of jobs. Banks accept deposits from the public, channel them into lending activities, and give out loans. The mentor was not specific when he was asked what kind of tasks people do in a bank. He said that he cannot divulge the details because of proprietary reasons.
- How would you describe a typical day (or week) in this kind of work?
The mentor shared that a typical day in a bank is very busy, sometimes bordering on chaotic. He adds that the work is both mentally and physically taxing when dealing with the public. His responses are understandable given the nature of his job, which involves constant interaction with clients and involves financial matters. He and his colleagues have to deal with multitude of requests in a day, and it involves lots of decision making and high level of work precision. The fact that he still thinks his job to be exciting and enjoyable sheds light on his ability to thrive under pressure.
- What kind of people do well?
The kind of people who do well in his office, according to him, are people who are motivated, intelligent, are confident and have good work ethics. His answer highlights those traits that are basic requirements for a person to shine in any sort of career he choose. Unless a person is motivated and has the capability to do a work backed up by good work ethic, he would not be able to do justice to his chosen career.
- What kind of preparation or previous experience do people need?
The mentor stresses on the need for good experience in field work to shine in banking. Formal orientation programs and subject knowledge can only help a person to a limited extent. Nothing can substitute the good old field experience, which involves actually meeting the clients and handling their requirements.
- What are the drawbacks of this work? (Don’t kid yourself, there’s a downside to every job)
The mentor feels that his company is understaffed. The lesser the number of staffs more is the workload for the others. The economic downturn has forced many companies to cut staffs, and banking is one of those industries hard-hit by the economic slump. Severe downsizing has been common in this industry for the last few years, and the mentor opines that this has in turn increased his workload as the management expects him to achieve the maximum with minimum resources at disposal.
- What do you regard as the most exciting possibilities in this field?
According to my mentor, banking is one of those fields where the limit for career and personal growth is limitless. The job he does, according to him, helps people manage their finances well and adds real value to their life. Also, he says there is a lot to learn in this field, and if a person has the right motivation and the willingness to learn and work in a team, his career prospects are bright and unlimited.
- Whom else might I talk to learn more about this field? What periodicals or books should I read about it or whom to follow on blogs or Twitter? Are there groups or associations I could check out? Online groups like LinkedIn or blogs?
He suggested that I should read Career Warfare by D'alessandro, saying that it was a good book on brand building. He also added that social media has both positives and negatives, and asked me to be careful while looking for information/guidance from there.
