Planning and execution might seem straightforward, but the real challenge lies in starting and maintaining consistency. Mentorship from the IIVER faculty is essential at this point, providing guidance coming from their own accomplishments. Their expertise spans beyond specific academic subjects, offering insights into alternative paths. The mentor-mentee relationship is mutual at IIVER; while students gain knowledge, mentors also benefit from fresh perspectives and experiences brought by the students.
The highlight of the International Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (IIVER) is the faculty. They are superb and see teaching and mentorship as a duty, not just a formality. A mentor who has a sense of responsibility for their students is crucial for their growth and success. The commitment and dedication they showcase is exceptional. Can you imagine giving personal attention to each student in a class of 100 people? They make it possible. They keep us engaged with questions and riddles that keep our grey matter always alert.
As students, we should have more appreciation and respect for the faculty, as it is clearly not an easy job. We get tired just by sitting and listening for an hour. Imagine them standing, speaking, and dealing with the fact that they have to keep the class engaged while delivering the material in the best way possible.
The Role of Mentorship in Personal and Professional Development
To move forward with any kind of development, you need to first develop yourself personally. As it is said, "Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time, and energy needed to develop yourself." - Denis Waitley
This is where the role of mentorship comes in. A teacher or mentor guides you in the right direction, corrects you if you're misguided, and helps refine your skills when necessary. All you need to do is trust them and work alongside with patience.
Allow me to share a personal experience. Me, the author of this article is currently in her third year of veterinary school. This is the time when I needed maximum help with deciding my career path. I looked into a variety of options online, but it didn't help me much. Because in situations like this, you need some personal advice, but as you know, getting an educational or career counselor can be pretty expensive.
I sought career advice from a professor at my college, a step I now realize I should have taken earlier. I asked numerous questions and was met with patient, thourough answers. The professor even recommended researchers and scientists for me to connect with, providing me a glimpse into my future career.
Having a mentor is exciting. I continually discover better options to consider, which fuels my determination not to settle. With two more years to decide my path, I've been advised not to rule out any potential opportunities. My mentor encourages me to dream big, aptly reminding me, “If you aim for the moon, you will at least fall on the stars.”
The professor's appreciation of my enthusiasm strengthened my motivation and academic confidence. By simply reaching out for guidance, we can find many potential mentors.
Mentors play a crucial role not only in personal but also in professional development. Their wealth of knowledge and skill enhancement opens up numerous opportunities. They provide valuable insights and serve as living examples of what we aspire to achieve. A mentor guides you through your life journey, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become independent.
As here at IIVER we have faculty who have worked in various fields, be it being a proper veterinary surgeon, scientist, or even an army officer. They have a wide array of knowledge and experiences where some of our HODs have worked on the discovery of new species and have made other world-changing discoveries in the field of Veterinary Sciences. The professors at IIVER hail from universities with a rich history—institutions where renowned scientists like Louis Pasteur once pursued their education.
The greatest thing about them is despite having so much to offer and being so celebrated, they are quite down to earth and have a great deal of patience. Even if you asked the same question ten times, they would answer it with patience. The environment they create is critical for personal and professional development.
Mentorship Methods at IIVER
At IIVER, students are sharpened beyond academics. Faculty members at the institution serve as mentors, guiding students on their journeys of professional and personal development.
They offer both formal mentorship programs, pairing specific groups of students with faculty based on interests and career goals, and informal mentorship opportunities. Students can connect with professors during office hours, seek guidance on research projects, or simply engage in career discussions. This flexibility allows for personalized mentorship experiences.
Here at our college the faculty understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in mentorship. Some faculty members might adopt a directive style, offering clear guidance and feedback. While others might favor a collaborative approach, encouraging students to explore ideas and develop solutions independently. The key is shaping individuals based on their working and grasping styles.
The best part of the mentorship program here is that it is not strictly limited to your classroom. You can connect with your faculty mentor outside of the classroom if you have further queries to discuss and need quick help. While IIVER's mentorship programs are strong, there's always room for growth. Identifying challenges faced by faculty, such as time constraints, can lead to solutions like workshops focused on developing effective mentorship skills.
Additionally, exploring innovative methods, such as peer mentorship programs, could further enrich the student experience. By fostering a culture of mentorship, IIVER empowers students to navigate the complexities of professional development.
The dedication of faculty, combined with a range of methods, ensures that students graduate not just with academic knowledge but also with the skills and guidance to excel in their chosen careers.
The Impact of IIVER Faculty Mentorship
The IIVER mentorship program helps students reach their academic and career goals.
- Top Rank Achievements: Many IIVER students get top ranks in all-India exams, thanks to our helpful teachers
- Worldwide Chances: Our teachers guide students who want to study or work abroad and help them get opportunities
- All-Around Growth: Our students do well not only in studies but also in things like speaking, writing, culture, and sports
These are just a few examples of how our academic programs help students.
Conclusion
Essentially, IIVER's academic programs go beyond just the degree requirements and provide post-academic guidance, serving as a boost for student potential. Our alumni achieved impressive feats—national awards won, international opportunities landed, and excellence shown across subjects. This is not just academic success; it's a major change in student growth, and to transform their chosen fields. The effect of IIVER's program shows the power of cooperation between dedicated teachers and ambitious students, a force that will certainly transform the future.
