All things mentoring

Ben Brewster MCInstCES Principal Engineering Surveyor, and Daniel Van Rooyen, BYLOR Joint Venture talk to Tehya Bruce Allen 

What inspired you to become a mentor/mentee and how did you get started?

Ben Brewster: I don’t recall a defining flash of inspiration, however throughout my career I’ve been lucky enough to have worked – formally and informally – with some fantastic mentors. I certainly would not be in a position to mentor others were it not for them and in that sense, it is a convention I am glad to be a part of.

Regarding mentorship within CICES specifically, I’ve been casually advising and assisting colleagues and peers with their individual journeys to membership for some time. The step to becoming a trained mentor was a logical one and having attended the mentorship training sessions provided by the institution, I now feel even better placed to provide that guidance.

The first step, following training, was to set up a presentation to all geospatial surveying colleagues working on our project to spread the word about the institution, the mentorship support available to them and the approved development scheme which I am proud to say my employer is signed up to! This led to several enthusiastic one-to-one meetings with colleagues of all levels and disciplines, some of whom are now well on their way to submitting their applications. I intend to roll this out in the coming weeks to all geospatial professionals in the business and look forward to even more conversations!

Daniel Van Rooyen: Within our project it has been encouraging to join the CICES process. Having a mentor helps with navigating and understanding what is required and delivering a quality result. Many of the surveyors within the project come from other countries that have different survey qualification processes and experience levels. The CICES process brings us all onto a mutual understanding that we are equal.

What have you found most beneficial in being a mentor/mentee?

Ben Brewster: Being a good mentor is a skill like any other and a quality I aspire to. Mentorship within CICES affords me the opportunity to develop that skill and assist others in the process. I feel it is an important consideration that a mentor and mentee – it is a two-way relationship – both have an opportunity to learn and develop. For me, understanding how the geospatial profession is practiced around the world in relation to here in the UK has been a great help in understanding how we might look at things differently ourselves. Finally, if I’ve helped promote the institution to individuals within the geospatial surveying profession, that can only be a benefit.

Daniel Van Rooyen: Being a mentee allows someone who has previously walked the road through the CICES process to guide and steer me through the obstacles and bring out the best of me. It is also vital that I remain open to guidance and counsel from them.

How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making in your mentoring relationships?

Ben Brewster: Each relationship is unique, as are the problems faced. I try to enforce the idea that my role in the relationship is as a guide. Ultimately, the journey belongs to the mentee, so where a problem seems difficult, I’ll always try to help that individual arrive at the solution themselves. My view is that a key attribute of an effective surveyor is problem solving and decision making, it would therefore be counterproductive for me to take that development opportunity away by wading in with a solution. Often though, this can take a little self-restraint!

Daniel Van Rooyen: As a mentee, I appreciate and cherish the wisdom that a mentor is offering. A problem/challenge is always easier to navigate when experienced help is at hand. I am always keen hear other’s perspectives as it gives a holistic view which you might not have realised.

What would you advise someone who is interested in becoming a mentor/mentee?

Ben Brewster: The mentor/mentee relationship is not a zero-sum situation, everyone gains – the mentor, mentee, the business and the institution. For those interested in mentoring, make yourself available to those seeking help, speak to the institution for specialist training and approach your employers – many businesses will operate mentoring differently and may need to manage this in their way. For potential mentees, speak with your managers about assigning a mentor, and if you are having problems finding someone – speak with the institution who may be able to assist in sourcing a mentor.

Daniel Van Rooyen: The fact that someone has given up their time to guide me is appreciated. It is only through mentoring that we empower the next generation to think and pioneer. Growth happens in a person’s confidence and ability when they give of their time and experience.

Mentoring support for applicants and members

CICES has recently introduced a mentoring service to support those wishing to enter the industry and those who specifically wish to achieve a professional qualification with the institution.

CICES members, fellows and Engineering Council registrants with experience of reviewing, auditing or moderating review interviews and those with considerable experience of the industry, recently undertook training to deliver our first official mentoring service to those who are new to the industry and potential applicants and upgrades.

CICES mentors will: 

• Advise on industry requirements, emerging specialisms/technologies and where to find support
• Advise on relevant knowledge resources, training and work experience opportunities
• Advise on the interpretation of the competencies/fellow attributes/UKSPEC
• Advise applicants on cross-referencing their qualifications, training and work experience against the competencies/attributes/UKSPEC
• Check application/upgrade forms and supporting documents prior to them being submitted for review interview
• Advise applicants on examiners’ expectations of the application documents and what to expect at interview
• Provide guidance and support on preparation for the review interview
• If necessary, arrange mock interviews (virtual or face-to-face), followed by a discussion on what went well/not so well
• Provide support to deferred/referred applicants 
• Share their own experiences of the institution and its admission requirements

A mentor provides an independent voice, which can be extremely helpful in supporting future civil engineering professions, via bespoke mentoring, including advice the application and review process. For those enrolled on an approved development scheme, any advice given should be done in consultation with the applicant’s supervisor/line manager. 

Ben Brewster MCInstCES Principal Engineering Surveyor, and Daniel Van Rooyen, BYLOR Joint Venture spoke to CICES Communications and Engagement Officer, Tehya Bruce Allen

For more information about mentoring through CICES, contact CICES membership manager, Serena Egerton at segerton@cices.org