Although not mandatory, a mentor may be of considerable help in your development. A mentor is often defined as a trusted counsellor or guide. He or she may also be your supervisor and should be an experienced professional member of APEGGA or an equivalent organization. It may be advantageous for you to have a mentor in your discipline, as long as the focus of your discussions is not exclusively technical. A mentor from within the company may be able to enhance your potential for advancement, but an external perspective can be both refreshing and helpful. Whether from inside or outside the company, a mentor can serve many roles. A mentor should be able to discuss the important aspects of assigned tasks, from both a procedural and a technical point of view, although the mentor is not to take responsibility for your work. He or she should provide a sympathetic ear to your needs and non-judgmental advice when required. A mentor should also be an example of professional excellence, offering you the benefit of extensive experience with, and knowledge of organizations and how they work. A mentor should be able to give advice and direction and be aware of current developments and trends in your industry. For more information on the pros and cons of mentoring, you may wish to read APEGGA's Mentoring Guideline, which is available from the APEGGA offices or on the website at www.apegga.org.