An interview with mentee Dr Nancy Saab
I am a mentee
DR NANCY SAAB
HMO3
Going into this program, what did you hope to get out of it?
I started the mentoring program whilst on maternity leave as I was struggling to navigate my future career pathway. I had always wanted to do O&G but after having my second child I started second guessing my decision. I began to weigh up my career aspirations and considered lifestyle factors and how this could impact my family.
As I was navigating the AMA Victoria website for guidance with my CV writing, I came across the Mentoring Program and after getting in touch I was linked up with a mentor best suited to my ‘profile’. After three months, I feel like I have made significant progress with regards to my career indecision and getting involved in research.
What do you think is the 'secret' to a good mentoring relationship?
I have had several mentoring relationships in the past, however none of them have been as successful as this one for me.
The main difference is that I have started this relationship with defined goals. I took some time to think about what I really wanted to gain and also to think about what I had to offer.
Writing down my goals gave my mentor and myself a basic guide for our meetings and made me feel accountable in some ways. The transparency in my progress has allowed a more open relationship in which I feel comfortable asking for guidance when I get stuck. My mentor has mirrored my efforts by being an excellent listener as well as following my progress closely and making suggestions as required.
How has mentoring changed your professional or personal life?
My mentoring relationship has demonstrated the value of having an appropriate support network especially when making significant decisions. Having someone more senior available to listen to you and help you ask the right questions can be what is needed to guide you along the right path or to flag warning signs, if necessary. For myself,I made some major well-informed career decisions which will impact both my professional and personal life.
