Why Business Owners Are the Best Mentors a Child Can Have

Growing up, children are exposed to many different types of professionals via career fairs, special guests who visit their schools, and even their own parents. Sometimes children are brought directly into fold, with field trips to colleges, such as the University of Maryland and the Franklin Institute. Many of these professionals can have a marked impact on a child’s life, inspiring them to grow up and become highly regarded movers and shakers in the business world. While one-time visits can be extremely influential on a child’s life, mentorship programs have much more staying power. From there, internships and apprenticeships can be established, enabling each adult involved to benefit, just as much as the children they are guiding and leading. For business owners interested in giving back to the community, becoming a mentor is a valuable experience.

Why Mentorship?

Children already have a ton of things to worry about, such as extracurricular activities and school dances, so they may be a little skeptical when they are first told about mentorship opportunities. If they are younger, they won’t yet know that an MBA is a great investment, nor will they have any idea of what they want to do after high school. This is one of the primary reasons that involving business owners in mentorship programs is essential. Many people end up going into the first careers that seem viable because they weren’t prepared enough to make sound choices. By working closely with children at a younger age, they have the chance to learn what they enjoy doing versus what they might want to do as a secondary option.

Ways to Get Involved

You can reach out to local schools to find out how they match students with mentors. Alternatively, you can find non-profits and begin volunteering your time at programs where students come to meet after school. Programs such as the Boys and Girls Club are always on the lookout for professional mentors who aren’t afraid to dedicate both time and resources to the betterment of the youth. You will find that it is easy to form a bond with younger students as you get to know them and see an ambitious glimmer of hope in their eyes. Talk to them about MBA career opportunities versus what they’ll need to do to run their own companies, and be sure to answer all of their questions as thoroughly as you can.

Starting Your Own Mentorship Program

Another option is to get involved with the younger generation on your own. If you have a business that would be conducive to hosting a mentorship program, invite parents to bring their children in and learn about the business industry from an early age. You might want to hold a seminar that teaches children the very basics about becoming business owners, or run a summer camp that allows kids to get hands on training.

Think back to when you were a kid who was eager to grow up and start working. You likely dreamed about becoming your own boss, but you probably had no idea of what being a business owner actually entailed. Being a mentor is a way to give kids a realistic glimpse into business ownership without overwhelming them or stifling their dreams.

__________________________________________

OTHER CHILD MENTOR PROGRAMS:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Home

Become a Mentor – MENTOR

Child Safe Michigan Mentoring Program

Find Child Mentoring Programs in Your Area

Tuesday’s Children: Youth Mentoring Program