Guru-Shishya synergy in todays digital age

Mangesh
September 10, 2024 3 mins to read

With over 13 years in the IT industry, I’ve seen how technology has changed education and the traditional relationship between mentors and students. What used to be a direct, personal connection between a teacher and student has now expanded into the digital world. Online platforms, video calls, and digital tools have become the new classrooms. This makes learning more accessible, but it also makes it harder to maintain the personal connections that used to be so important.

In the past, students relied heavily on their teachers for knowledge because there weren’t many other resources. Now, with all the information available online, the need for a teacher’s physical presence has lessened. While this makes learning easier in some ways, it also brings challenges in keeping that deep, personal bond between teacher and student.

Even with these changes, a good mentor is still invaluable. In my experience, mentors offer more than just knowledge—they provide emotional support, help students manage stress, and guide them in setting and achieving their goals. In a competitive world, mentors also play a key role in career guidance, using their networks to help students find internships and jobs.

Despite the complexities of today’s tech-driven world, the core of mentorship—guiding, supporting, and nurturing—remains the same. A good mentor helps students succeed academically and grow into strong, ethical individuals ready to face the challenges of a fast-paced world.

In today’s rapidly changing industries, especially in IT, the guidance and support of a mentor can make a big difference. As a modern mentor, my most important role is to guide students through complicated career choices, set realistic goals, and create plans that align with their dreams.

I also focus on helping students develop their skills, not just technical ones but also soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and leadership. In a world where employers look for well-rounded individuals, these skills can really help students stand out. Continuous learning is crucial, and as a mentor, I make sure my students stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.

In an age where there’s too much information, a good mentor acts as a guide, helping students focus on what’s important. With the risks that come with ethical lapses, this part of mentorship is essential. The shift from memorizing facts to developing as a whole person is possible only if we continue to nurture the mentor-student relationship, even in today’s tech-driven world.

As a mentor, it’s my responsibility to adapt to these changes while keeping the core values of mentorship alive, ensuring that the mentor-student relationship remains strong and meaningful.

I think every experienced resource from IT and non-IT industry must truly emphasize on being a mentor to the yonger generation or GenZ as they call it now 🙂

Please do not hesitate to share your comments / queries / suggestions regarding this with me

mangesh(at)mangesh(dot)in

 

Share