Christopher Dore

How Being Mentored Changed My Life and Could Change Yours

Chris Dore with arms crossed and smiling at cameraI remember the first time I asked my mentor to mentor me. I was quite nervous and afraid she would say no. I didn’t realize at the time that I was being silly. Why would she say no to my request – she was one of the most engaging, encouraging and respectful people I had ever met and these were the traits that inspired me to ask that awkward question, “would you mentor me?”

A silhouette of a person on a cliff reaching for another person on the top of the cliff - mentorshipI came into formalized mentoring later in life, and only after an abundance of work experiences and mistakes. I have to admit when I think back, there were mentors but they often took on the guise of teachers and coaches, picked not by me but by the activities I participated in. It was only into my 30s that I started to actively look for mentors. I started to make a list of people whom I held in high regard in the community and that I believed I could learn from.

As I assembled my “team” of mentors I looked for certain skills and ways of thinking that I lacked. I also started to realize the immense power of mentoring as my mentors provided me with:

  • Viewpoints and perspectives regarding business I had yet to experience, like how to start a business, what is needed legally, and what should I not do?
  • An understanding of the importance of ethics and trust when doing business with others
  • A completely new network of people and contacts
  • Acted as references and even nominated me for awards
  • Career advice – they gave me new ideas and prevented me from making costly business mistakes
  • Guidance in business and in life

The one regret I hold is that I did not find my team of confidantes, friends, life coaches, business advisors, when I was a student. Mentors can become one or all of these things to you as you develop a long-lasting relationship.

Highway Signpost "Mentorship - straight ahead"For all these reasons and more, mentoring and giving back to the community through mentoring is one of my core values, and I believe I am lucky to be able to guide and help students reach their own goals and achieve their dreams.

If you are interested in being mentored and are starting a business or have a great idea but don’t know where to start – start with our Mentorship@AC application site! If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, have a look at our Mentor@AC application site.

You can always reach out to me at dorec1@algonquincollege.com or on Twitter @chrisWdore, I am sure we can help.

Posted by: Chris Doré, Entrepreneur in Residence, Waterfront Campus

SUMMIT 2016 – deadline for applications is March 15!

Student entrepreneurs wanted for SUMMIT 2016 – deadline for applications is March 15!

Make things happen post itSUMMIT 2016 offers student entrepreneurs a hands-on experience in developing their Start-Up through more than 60 workshops, peer support and guidance from veteran entrepreneurs. SUMMIT also offers up to $3,000 in funding for participating students! The program runs from May 10 to July 28, at the Woodroffe Campus in Ottawa, with workshops taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Check out the SUMMIT 2016 website for a detailed list of requirements and to register.

Take a look inside SUMMIT 2015

Pembroke Waterfront Campus student entrepreneurs who have a business that is in the initial planning and research stages are invited to apply today. Please note, students must be between the ages of 18-29 to qualify for the SUMMIT program.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to get started as an entrepreneur!

Contact Chris Doré, Entrepreneur in Residence with your questions today, dorec1@algonquincollege.com