Trevor Hirst

After starting as a Mentee, Trevor Hirst wanted to pay forward the support and guidance he received, as he knows first-hand just how valuable Mentorship is from both sides.

With a commitment to engineering, and the want to continuously develop, it was only natural that Trevor would become a Chartered Engineer with the IET.  His extensive background in engineering meant that Trevor was a perfect candidate for Professional Registration.

“My decision to become Professionally Registered as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) stemmed from my deep-seated commitment to the field of engineering and my desire to continually excel and contribute at the highest professional level”

The support he received pushed him to the finish line for Professional Registration, and he wanted to pay that support forward.

Becoming a Mentor

Trevor first came across Mentoring when he started his professional journey when he joined the IET through the Mentoring Programme as a Mentee as part of his studies for his MSc in Professional Engineering.

After being a mentee, and seeing the benefits it had, he wanted to share his experience and become a Mentor himself.

“I sought to become an IET Mentor to pay forward the mentorship I received earlier in my career, which was instrumental in my professional and personal growth”

Being a Mentor contributes towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It challenges you to stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. With this, you have a unique opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and skills.

“Being an IET Mentor is a valuable component of my CPD, enabling me to continuously evolve and improve as an engineer and Mentor.”

Trevor is passionate about fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, for himself and his mentees. Being a Mentor allows him to contribute to the development and success of emerging engineers.

“The collaborative nature of Mentoring allows me to learn from my mentees, fresh perspectives and insights that further enrich my professional development.”

Trevor takes pride in being able to contribute to the development of our up-and-coming engineers, helping them overcome some challenges and unlocking their potential. He finds that being a Mentor has been rewarding in many ways.

“…becoming an IET Mentor provides me with a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation of engineers.”

What does it take to be a Mentor?

After some time as a Mentor, Trevor has come across several characteristics that he finds contribute to being a good Mentor:

• Experience
• Adaptability
• Commitment
• Honesty and Integrity
• Constructive Feedback
• Professionalism

If you have any of these characteristics, you already have the makings of being a great Mentor.

Advice for upcoming Mentors

If you are looking at becoming a Mentor, Trevor has shared some advice that he feels will help you get the most out of your experience.

• Embrace the opportunity: "Becoming a Mentor is a chance to share your knowledge, skills, and experience with others. It's a fulfilling role that allows you to contribute positively to the professional development of others.”
• Be empathetic and understanding: "As a Mentor, you'll be working closely with your mentees, so it's important to be empathetic and understanding of their challenges and goals. By listening attentively and providing constructive feedback, you can help your mentees grow both personally and professionally.”
• Share your experiences openly: "Your Mentees will benefit greatly from hearing about your own experiences and the challenges you've faced in your career. Sharing these stories can provide valuable insights and help them navigate similar situations.”