Learnings From the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

I had the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural year of the Foundation for Public Affairs Fellowship program in 2023. The experience was transformative. It set me on a course for professional success, allowing me to expand my network and motivating me to build and sustain relationships with both peers and mentors who challenged me to think beyond reciprocity but focus on sustainability.

Lauren Tyler, one of this year’s Foundation Fellows mentors, explains the value of mentorship this way: “In a world that often feels transactional, I actively seek and nurture relationships with colleagues, peers, supervisors and friends who serve as my sounding board, offer advice and feedback, and champion my name in rooms I haven’t yet entered.”

The relationship between a mentor and their mentee is not created overnight. It is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared vulnerability and trust. Whether we’re coordinating messaging across agencies, managing media relationships or navigating policy discussions, people need to know that we can deliver not just on deadlines, but on our word.

How did we treat others when there wasn’t a spotlight on ourselves? Did we follow up when we said we would? Did we give credit where it was due? Were we generous with our time, feedback and expertise?

For Adrienne Marks, another Foundation Fellows mentor, generosity is at the core of her approach to building the solid relationships she has with her mentees. She notes, “As the popular adage says, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ which encapsulates the essence of meaningful connections and the impact they have on our lives. Giving your time to mentor others, sharing knowledge freely or advocating for someone else’s growth — these are not distractions from your career path; they are investments in its sustainability.”

But, like all successful relationships, the mentor-mentee relationship must be driven by humility and rooted in respect. This approach replaces complacency with intentionality, providing a dynamic in which both the mentor and the mentee can flourish.

According to Marvin Yates, another mentor in the program: “One of my mentors challenged me to never get too comfortable. No matter what my title is, how far I advance in my career or how good things are going, I should always be striving to challenge myself, push things further and think ahead. For me, I like to take that same approach with my mentees. Constantly asking them, what’s next and what can you be doing right now to work toward that goal you have in five or 10 years? Be a visionary, be goal oriented and never be satisfied! It’s OK to take time to smell the roses, but don’t be so focused on the current harvest that you forget to continue to plant in your garden.”

An Investment for Every Step of a Career

For early-career professionals, this means showing up with curiosity, not just ambition. Seek mentors who both affirm your strengths and challenge your assumptions. Ask questions, attend events and, most important, follow through. That’s what people remember.

For midcareer professionals, it’s about being a connector. Who have you welcomed to the field? Whose name have you elevated? Are you building a bench of rising talent and paying forward the support you once received?

And for senior leaders, the charge is clear: Be the mentor you once needed. Look beyond résumés. Invest in potential. And take an active role in cultivating the next generation of leaders not only because it reflects well on you, but also because it ensures the long-term integrity, impact and growth of the profession itself.

Of course, not every mentorship is perfect, nor is every network immediately accessible. Remote work, gig economies and industry turnover can all present challenges to building and sustaining strong connections. And in a field where access can determine opportunity, having someone who believes in your work and amplifies your voice is critical to progress.

Organizations must not simply normalize but prioritize mentorship and peer learning as part of the professional development of their teams. And individuals, regardless of where they are in their careers, should be empowered to seek guidance, offer support and form relationships that extend beyond the workplace.

I am grateful for the people who have guided me on my own professional journey. Whether it be the mentor who encouraged me to apply for the inaugural fellowship of the Foundation for Public Affairs or the colleagues who challenged me to be a better communicator, I have been blessed with an awesome group of mentors. Their wisdom and experience have proven invaluable, offering thoughtful insights and guidance that have motivated me to learn from setbacks, try new things and stay resolute.

At a time in which the professional landscape is fraught with uncertainty, the mentor-mentee relationship is critical to success. I encourage everyone to follow the guidance of the mentors featured here: Nurture with intention. Lead with generosity. Push for success. And never lose sight of the people you serve.

Because no matter the job title, the organization or the mission, it’s relationships that shape your legacy in public affairs.