Benefits of Having a Mentor
We have all been there. Feeling ready for the next step yet at the same time having self-doubt. Have you ever sat in an inspiring conference session and felt ready to take on the world and then get back to the office and ask yourself “What’s next”? or “What was I thinking”?
I can personally attest to these feelings. CSMFO conferences always have amazing inspirational speakers and there have been many times I have left the conference ready to pursue my next step. However, I felt lost on how to get there. I knew I was ready, but I still needed the extra confidence to get me there. One day I saw an advertisement for a new mentorship program that was coming out. I applied and the next thing I knew I was matched with a mentor.
The benefits I have received from the program have far exceeded any perceived inconvenience of taking the time out of my day to meet with my mentor. I have learned techniques to deal with public speaking anxiety, time management skills, and exceptional assistance in managing employees. Working in this program I was able to move into an Interim Director position seamlessly and within months was the full-time Director.
When I heard CSMFO was creating its own mentorship program I knew I had to get involved. I had been helped by others and it was my time to give back. However, prior to being mentored, I would not have had the confidence and courage to get involved. Previously I would have said, “I should do that” but made excuses for why I didn’t have the time. Being a part of creating a program that will help others has been an enriching experience and now I can’t wait to do more.
It is completely normal to feel like you can achieve more but to be lost on how to get there. This is where a mentor can help you. Some of the best knowledge is learned through experience. People who have walked in your shoes before can provide the advice you can’t find in a book. They at some point have probably felt the same and can help you to move toward that next step. Or, they might help you to figure out how to achieve a good work/life balance. Whatever the challenge is, having someone to work through challenges provides you the experience of others and invaluable advice for consideration.
So, do you feel you are ready for that promotion but haven’t been able to get there? Having trouble balancing your day between work and family responsibilities? Or just need advice on how to improve your skills? Then this program is for you! Sign up for the new CSMFO mentorship program today!
Jennifer Ustation is the Finance Director for the City of Beaumont where she is responsible for all Finance Department services and activities including finance, purchasing, investing, debt management, budgeting, revenue collection, and accounting. She has been with Beaumont as a Senior Accountant for 4 years and was promoted to Finance Director earlier this year. Previously she worked at the City of Calimesa and the Moreno Valley Unified School District as an Accountant. She has more than 9 years of progressive experience in municipal finance. Ms. Ustation recently joined the CSMFO Membership Committee and is also a part of the CSMFO Cohort program.
Ms. Ustation received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Accounting Concentration from California State University San Bernardino. She is currently in the process of obtaining the Certified Public Finance Officer certification with the Government Finance Officers Association.
