This article was written by Madeline G., a supervisor in the marketing department, who has been a mentee and served as a mentor for three new associates.

During your first day on the job at Reynolds, you’ll receive many things… a desk, a computer, a guidebook, and in some departments, a mentor.

A mentor is an associate who knows the ins-and-outs of the company and is chosen based on their ability to lead and teach. The mentor/mentee relationship looks different throughout the company. Let’s take a look at what a mentorship in marketing looks like:

When a new associate first joins Reynolds, a mentor is a great starting point for a friend. It gives you an early connection with someone that is on the same level as you and has been through the same experiences you are going to have. During the first few months, the relationship is really about understanding the company and department processes, answering any questions you have, and also helping you navigate the building!

Connor L., an associate in marketing, had this to say about his mentorship experience: “I would meet once a week with my mentor. We would walk to parts of the building as we talked so I got to know my way around. Sometimes we would grab a snack from the on-site convenience store too. This was a helpful way to get all my questions answered and get to know the company.”

Why does Reynolds encourage mentor/mentee relationships?

The mentor program is special because mentors are chosen by representing Reynolds well and performing at a high level. By selecting the best of the best to help train new employees, we end up creating more quality associates. We don’t just throw people to the wolves from day one. New hires have a support system and a person they can always go to. We use the best resources to grow these employees into top-tier performers.

Connor said he experienced first-hand how a mentor helps a new associate grow. “When there were steps in my career I didn’t understand, it was great having someone to ask and also give me constructive feedback when needed. By cultivating relationships between employees, Reynolds sets both new hires and well-established associates up for success.”

I personally love seeing my mentees grow into well-established employees and become mentors themselves. When they get promoted or recognized, I am just as excited because I like to think I had a small hand in that by helping them get their footing.

Overall, the mentor-mentee relationship that Reynolds cultivates is beneficial for rookie and veteran associates alike. Even if you aren’t assigned an official mentor in your department, you’re always encouraged to form relationships with established team members.