MENTORING The Impact of an Incredible Mentor Brandy Barnes, YP-0195
“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” — John C. Maxwell
Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity to
meet many outstanding geologists through my involvement in the American Institute of Professional Geologists. I never dreamed that starting an AIPG student chapter would light a fire of passion and determination for my profession and a support system that I like to call “my geology family.”
My motivation for writing this article is to express the importance of helping young professional geologists and stu- dents to create a network of mentors. Across industries, the geosciences have a wide generation gap, which can only be spanned by creating meaningful relationships between expe- rienced and dedicated geologists and their future successors. From new mapping and fieldwork technologies to growing research on topics surrounding environmental impacts, the geological professions have undergone many changes in the last 20 years. The experienced professionals, many of whom are at or near retirement age, have invaluable expertise to impart to young professionals. It’s a shame when I consider that millennials may miss the opportunity to learn from these potential mentors before their retirement.
I am fortunate to have an abundance of mentors, through
both AIPG and my employers. These mentorships have been my favorite aspect of growing as a geologist, and I consider them my “secret weapon”. When I need to know how the geosciences have changed, which path I should consider for my future, or how to reach goals in my professional career, I can turn any one of them and seek advice and encouragement. When I was looking for job, I was able to have my resume reviewed by pro-
“
I cherish every moment, lesson, and laugh with John. After his passing, I took a position in North Carolina and have been working on creating a more active AIPG section in this state, an effort he was involved with for many years. I realize that his impact on my life will continue in my professional career even though he is not physically present.
30 TPG •
Jul.Aug.Sep 2019
fessionals. When I had two job offers simultaneously, I found support and advice for navigat- ing that privilege in a professional manner. When I needed informa- tion about licens- ing, I was given resources
and
shared experi- ences. Mentorship has been pivotal in my career.
I would like
to share a story about a special man, a mentor, who impacted my life. In early 2017, I attended an AIPG Executive Committee Meeting in Orlando, Florida, where I lived at the time. I knew several members attending the meeting and had been active in the organization for a few years; naturally, I thought I would attend to see how AIPG was progressing. There was a gentle- man whom I had not met at previous meetings. I introduced myself and asked a series of career-related questions that I often asked of experienced professionals. He was very kind and encouraging, and he appreciated that I took the time on a Saturday to attend the meeting. Six months later, at the AIPG Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, he was scheduled to attend as an AIPG Executive Board member. I decided to prioritize further connection with this gentleman. We greeted each other as old friends and spent much time discussing his professional experience, getting advice for my career endeavors, and laughing over a few beers, in the spirit of all great geologists.
John Stewart, CPG From that meeting on, he became one of my most trusted
mentors and friends. He invested an inordinate amount of time and energy into my success. Above all he possessed the unique ability to teach me self-assurance. He was never reserved about complimenting individuals who worked hard in their careers, gave back to their profession, or had the ability to show appreciation to other people. It was rewarding to know how proud he was of me, and to have someone always happy to help guide my career. His level of investment can leave an
www.aipg.org
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
