There’s something about September. Even if you’re not buying new pens or prepping school bags, that unmistakable back-to-school energy creeps in.

It’s a natural moment to pause, reset, and ask: What’s next for me? And who can help me get there?

For the past couple of years, I’ve been mentoring through the CIM Mentoring Programme, and one thing’s become clear: mentoring doesn’t always mean a long-term commitment. Sometimes, it’s just one conversation that makes all the difference.

Real Moments, Real Impact

Not every mentee is chasing a promotion or planning a career pivot. Some are navigating tricky workplace dynamics, wondering how to approach a difficult chat with their manager. Others are weighing up whether to stay in a shaky company or start fresh elsewhere. A few have asked about freelancing; how I made the leap, what I’d do differently.

And then there are the everyday dilemmas: preparing for a tough client meeting, managing team tensions, or simply needing a sounding board. These aren’t problems that need a six-month plan. They need perspective, empathy, and sometimes just a simple tool, like a quick SWOT analysis, to bring clarity.

That’s the beauty of mentoring. It doesn’t have to take a season. It might just take a moment.

What Mentoring Really Means

CIM describes a mentor as an “experienced and trusted adviser.” But it’s more than that. It’s about listening, asking the right questions, and helping someone see their own potential more clearly. The mentee leads the way, and the mentor supports, reflects, and encourages.

The benefits? They’re real and wide-ranging:

• Practical career advice
• A boost in confidence
• Constructive feedback
• Problem-solving support
• A confidential, professional relationship

And for mentors? It’s a chance to stay connected to the pulse of the profession, to reflect, and to be reminded of just how resilient and creative marketers really are.

Why Short and Sweet Works

I’ve seen the power of short, focused sessions:

• Clarity – moving from foggy to focused in minutes
• Confidence – knowing someone believes in your approach
• Structure – turning overwhelm into strategy with a simple framework

Mentoring doesn’t need to be a big commitment. Sometimes, it’s just about being there, listening, and sharing what you’ve learned.

September: A Fresh Start

If you’re feeling that “new term” energy, why not channel it into your professional growth—or into helping someone else grow?

If you’re a CIM member feeling stuck, curious, or unsure, book a mentoring chat. No grand plan needed. Even one hour can be transformative.

And if you’re an experienced marketer, consider stepping up to mentor. You don’t need a full programme. Just one conversation can spark clarity, confidence, and change.

Your Call to Action

Let’s lean into this seasonal reset. Whether you’re looking for guidance or ready to offer it, CIM’s mentoring programme is flexible and welcoming. September is the perfect time to start.

Because real change isn’t measured in the number of sessions, it’s in the clarity and confidence sparked by just one conversation.

Helen Stott, Chartered Marketer and Chair of CIM Yorkshire Region