Hey there! We’re thrilled to have you join our awesome community. You’re here to learn, grow, and get closer to achieving your career dreams, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. This guide will get you started and ensure you make the most of your mentorship journey.

1. Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision: To ensure that no diasporan is alone in building a successful career.

Our Mission: To enable African professionals in the diaspora, access the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to build successful careers. Our priority is impact, and our second priority is impact.

Our Values:

• Paying-it-forward: We believe in helping someone else because we have once been helped by another. When a mentor helps a mentee succeed, we are creating a ripple effect of growth and empowerment within the African diaspora.
• Commitment to Impact: Every connection is about making a difference in people’s lives. We build real connections to empower diasporans achieve their professional goals, gain new skills, and contribute to their communities.
• Empathy: Empathy is the foundation of our platform. We believe that a mentor who has walked a similar path comes from a place of understanding in helping a mentee navigate the complexities of building a career in a new country.
• Integrity & Transparency: From how mentors and mentees are matched to how our partnerships are formed, we will be honest, open, and ethical in everything we do.

How Mentorship Works

Your mentor is here to support and guide you through your professional development. But remember, growth takes time, and real progress requires commitment.

Our Suggested Timeline for Success

Mentorship is a commitment to creating a lasting impact. A realistic timeline for a result-based mentorship relationship can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the goals and the availability of both parties.

Here’s how our timeline will typically unfold:

1. Initial Meetings (1 Month): Initial meetings should focus on building rapport, discussing goals, establishing
   communication habits, and setting expectations. This can take 1-2 meetings over a month.
2. Goal Setting and Planning (2 Weeks):
   After the initial meetings, the next phase will be to collaboratively set specific, measurable goals. This phase typically lasts about a month, allowing time for reflection and discussion.
3. Active Mentorship Phase (3-6 Months): The work starts now! During this phase, regular meetings (e.g., bi-weekly or monthly)
   should occur to discuss progress, challenges, and adjustments to the plan. This phase is crucial for building the mentorship relationship and achieving the set goals.
4. Evaluation and Adjustment (2 Weeks): After the active mentorship phase, both the mentor and mentee should evaluate the
   progress made towards the goals. This evaluation can take between two weeks to a month, during which adjustments to the mentorship approach can be made if necessary.
5. Closure and Future Planning (2 Weeks): Finally, the relationship should conclude with a discussion about the outcomes, lessons learned, and potential future interactions. This phase can take about a month.

This timeline allows mentees to achieve meaningful progress and ensures that you can see the impact of your guidance.

Why Join Us?

Guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals.
Skill Development: Gain new and relevant skills that organizations are looking for.
Support: Get the encouragement you need to succeed.
Job Access: Apply to jobs based on internal referrals from our mentors.
Getting Started
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Profile:
• Sign Up: Register with your email or social media account.
• Complete Your Profile: Fill in your personal and professional details, including your
goals, skills, and interests.
• Upload a Photo: Add a friendly, professional photo.
• Set Your Preferences: Let us know what you’re looking for in a mentor.
Tips:
• Be specific about your goals and interests to find the best mentor match.
• Keep your profile updated with any new achievements or changes.
Best Practices for a Great Mentoring Experience
1. Be Open and Willing to Learn – Approach each session with curiosity and a
willingness to grow.
2. Take Initiative – Ask questions, share your progress, and be proactive in pursuing
your goals.
3. Respect Your Mentor’s Time – Show up prepared, be on time, and honor your
mentor’s commitment.
The Mentorship Journey
First Contact:
– After your matching, reach out to your mentor with a friendly introduction.
– Set up an introductory session to discuss your goals and expectations.
Setting Goals:
– Work with your mentor to set clear, achievable goals.
– Use our goal-setting templates to track your progress.
Regular Meet-Ups:
– Schedule regular sessions based on your and your mentor’s availability.
– Prepare for each session with relevant topics and questions.
Feedback:
– Share your thoughts and feedback with your mentor to improve the mentoring
relationship.
– Be open to constructive feedback from your mentor.
Tips for Being an Awesome Mentee
– Be Clear: Share your goals, challenges, and aspirations with your mentor.
– Be Open-Minded: Listen to your mentor’s advice and perspectives.
– Be Proactive: Take the initiative in your learning and development.
– Be Respectful: Value your mentor’s time and expertise.
– Be Committed: Show up prepared and on time for your sessions.
Goal-Setting Templates:
Use our templates to set and track your personal and professional goals.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need support, send us an email at info@level-hire.com. We’ll
be glad to help!
Thank You
Thanks for joining us as a mentee at Level Hire. Your commitment to learning and growth is
what makes this community so special. Together, we’re building a circular community of
exceptional talents!