What is a Mentor?

As a mentor, you can help students make a connection between their present performance and their future career. Mentors provide overall support for their goals, career competence and character development, and can help students gain real-world experience and practical skills that help to shape their futures in the food service industry.

Often, mentors will attend competition practice, invite students to tour their facilities, write recommendation letters, and provide feedback on skills. The scope of mentorship is up to the mentor! 

Mentors Impact​

Mentors provide overall support for student competency and character development in the following ways:
Educator — instructs students in technical and soft skills.
Supervisor — gives direction. Shows students how they fit into the needs of the organization.
Coach — provides motivation and information to help students meet performance expectations. Gives ongoing feedback and encouragement.
Counselor — helps students work through problems or attitudes that affect job performance.
Role Model — leads by example. Helps students develop effective professional skills and habits.

Benefits

As a mentor, both you and your company can benefit.
Personal Benefits

• Play an important role in a student’s life
• Contribute to the future of the restaurant and foodservice industry
• Improve your supervisory and management skills
• Explore new ways of looking at your job and operations

Company Benefits

• Gain motivated student employees who are focused on the industry as a career
• Groom potential employees by creating a rewarding work experience
• Launch a career-long connection with future employees and customers
• Contribute to the industry by helping create a high-quality labor pool