Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Peer Mentor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A peer mentor is a student who helps another student transition to college life. The mentor provides guidance and support to the mentee, helping them to adjust to the new environment and make the most of their college experience.

Peer Mentor job duties include:

  • Act as a positive role model for mentee(s)
  • Help mentee(s) develop goals and action plans
  • Listen to and encourage mentee(s)
  • Share own experiences and knowledge with mentee(s)
  • Help mentee(s) connect with resources and people
  • Help mentee(s) develop skills and confidence
  • Encourage mentee(s) to stay in school or pursue their education/career goals
  • Be a supportive and positive influence in mentee(s)' life
  • Respect the confidentiality of information shared by mentee(s)

Peer Mentor Job Requirements

A peer mentor is a person who provides guidance, support, and advice to another person. There are many different types of peer mentors, but the most common type is a student mentor. Student mentors are typically upperclassmen or graduate students who help guide and support younger students through their college experience. In order to be a peer mentor, you must have experience as a student yourself. This experience can come from your own time as a student at the same school where you will be mentoring, or from another institution altogether. You should also be comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, as your mentee may come from a different culture or life experience than you. Finally, it is helpful if you are certified in CPR and First Aid, as you may need to provide medical assistance to your mentee in an emergency situation.

Peer Mentor Skills

  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Respect
  • Active listening
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Patience
  • Encouragement
  • Supportive
  • Trustworthy
  • Resourceful

Related: Top Peer Mentor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Peer Mentor

A peer mentor is someone who provides guidance, support, and advice to another person. They are usually someone who has been through a similar experience and can offer first-hand knowledge and insight. Becoming a peer mentor can be a rewarding experience, as you get to help others while also growing and developing yourself. Here are some tips on how to become a peer mentor:

1. Find your niche. What are you passionate about? What do you have experience in? Find an area that you can be a resource for others and focus your efforts there.

2. Build your credibility. In order to be an effective mentor, you need to be someone that others can trust and look up to. Build your credibility by being an expert in your field and by maintaining a positive attitude.

3. Be a good listener. One of the most important aspects of being a mentor is being a good listener. This means really hearing what the other person is saying and providing them with thoughtful feedback.

4. Be supportive. A mentor should be someone that the mentee can rely on for support and encouragement. Be there for them when they need you and help them celebrate their successes.

5. Be patient. Mentoring relationships take time to develop and grow. Be patient with yourself and with the other person as you both navigate this new relationship.

Related: Peer Mentor Resume Example

Related: Peer Mentor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles