Why It’s Not Just About Formal Workshops: The Value of Informal Gatherings in Mentorship Programme

While individual mentor–mentee collaboration is at the heart of the Creative Mentorship for Young Professionals Programme, participants are also supported through a wider framework that includes educational training sessions and workshops, networking opportunities, and continuous guidance from the Creative Mentorship team. As part of this structure, consultations are informal online group sessions, held separately with mentors and mentees, designed to provide space for reflection, peer learning, exchange, and support at key moments in the process, helping to strengthen both individual progress and the collective sense of community.

The first round of consultations in this cycle was held online in mid-June 2025, through separate sessions for mentors and mentees. Scheduled a few months into the programme, they served as a chance to pause and reflect on the mentoring process so far.

Through years of experience in running mentorship programmes, we have learned that informal gatherings offer a safe and valuable space for participants to reflect on their mentoring experiences, share what they are proud of, speak honestly about the challenges they’ve faced, inspire others and exchange ideas. In addition to strengthening connections within the mentoring community, informal consultations provide an opportunity for them to showcase current projects, revisit personal goals, and plan the next steps in each participant’s mentoring journey.

Here is a short reminder of the key messages we shared after the consultations with mentors:

• Every mentoring relationship is unique. There’s no need for comparison. Even without an instant “click” with a mentee, meaningful learning can still take place.

• Mentees often adjust or shift their goals once they feel supported – and that’s completely fine. Mentors can help them explore both what they express as a need and what mentors, with their experience, sense might benefit them.

First online consultations with mentors – Creative Mentorship for Young Professionals Programme, June 2025

 

During the consultations, the following messages were shared with mentees to support their continued growth throughout the programme:

• They were reminded that their own initiative is essential — the process belongs to them, and what they invest in it will shape the outcomes.

• Each mentoring relationship is unique, and there’s no need for comparison — the focus should stay on building their own path.

• Consistency is important, and they were encouraged to show up regularly and schedule the next meeting right after the previous one.

• Mentees were invited to take the lead, own their process, and trust their instincts.

• Taking time for themselves was highlighted as an important part of personal and professional growth.

• They were encouraged to find their own rhythm, whether they prefer structure or flexibility, and align expectations with their mentor accordingly.

• Clear communication was emphasized, including preparing for meetings, being open during conversations, and reflecting afterward.

• Trust was named as a key ingredient — it takes time, but it builds the foundation for a strong mentoring relationship.

• Mentees were reminded that mentors are there to support them, not to have all the answers — they are experienced professionals willing to share their knowledge.

• It was acknowledged that goals may change over time, and that this is completely fine as long as it’s openly communicated.

• They were invited to share updates about their projects or work, so that the Creative Mentorship team can offer support and visibility.

• Finally, mentees were assured that they are not alone in this process — the Creative Mentorship team is here to support them every step of the way.

First online consultations with mentees – Creative Mentorship for Young Professionals Programme, June 2025.

Why Consultations Matter?

Consultations are more than just a checkpoint in the mentoring process. They are a chance to pause, take a step back, and reflect — both individually and together. These conversations help us reexamine goals, clear up any dilemmas, and hear different perspectives that often remain untold in one-on-one settings. Most importantly, they remind us that mentoring is not only about setting and achieving goals, but about building trust, opening space for exchange, and learning from each other along the way.

As the Creative Mentorship for Young Professionals Programme moves forward, we are excited about the upcoming workshops and the exchange of knowledge and ideas they bring.

This programme is supported by the British Council as a part of the project “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs). CC4WBs is a project funded by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.