Investing in the Future - Be a Mentor

Mentorship among athletic trainers is a key social skill that allows our profession to expand our boundaries past traditional school rivalries and lines to help each other grow.   

It is no secret that the profession is expanding exponentially.  In fact, according to Vocationary.com in 2013, the profession is growing faster than the average, projected to grow a whopping 38% between 2008 to 2018.  Even the Bureau of labor statistics slated us to grow at a rate of 30% between 2010-2020, and that was in 2012.  It also goes without saying that the secondary school setting is growing as well. Universities seem to be turning out young professionals at a high rate of speed.  There is a need now, more than ever, for those of us “seasoned” professionals to stand up and take the lead.  We have a chance to make this field better than it’s ever been but we can only do that if we band together and lend a helping hand to the new comers.  So many young professionals check out of the profession prematurely because it can be overwhelming at times. We know, all too well, the stresses that come from working in the field and we need to lean on each other from time to time to get through it.  I would bet that the majority of the “Hall of Famers” can make a list of the people who supported them every step of the way.  And now, we need to do the same.   

It’s not uncommon in the secondary school setting to be on your own. It is a highly rewarding and unique setting with a unique set of challenges.  This is one area where you may have a coworker in larger districts or you may not in the smaller ones.  I challenge you to take the time to reach out to another athletic trainer new to your area or the profession and ask them how you can help to build their network.  Take them to lunch and introduce them to area doctors, make them aware of injury clinics, CEU opportunities, places to purchase equipment and supplies, and make sure they have your phone number in case they have any questions.  You might even follow up once a month with a phone call or email. Remember your first year out, especially if you were by yourself.  Anything you can do to encourage the young professional in a secondary school setting is invaluable.  I know, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink, likewise, there may be someone who is not receptive to help and that’s ok…it’s still our job to lead them there.

Please post comments with ways that you have mentored or have been mentored that proved helpful.  

This blog entry was provided by:  

Kembra Mathis M.Ed. ATC, Athletic Trainer; Bentonville High School and Rick Redden, Athletic Trainer; Saginaw High School