Taking the leap into RPS Mentoring

Mentoring can feel daunting, especially when imposter syndrome creeps in — but every pharmacist has something valuable to offer. RPS Mentor Baguiasri Mandane explores how to get started, what effective mentoring looks like in practice, and how the right support can transform careers on both sides of the relationship.

Published: 16 January 2026

Baguiasri Mandane

RPS Mentor

This blog was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Almost everybody starts out in mentoring with imposter syndrome. An ocean of questions can surface at the thought of it: Am I good enough to help mentor someone else? Do I have what it takes? What if I can’t do it? Do I have enough time in the day to do it?

On the other side of all of this, the truth is that everybody has the ability to mentor, if they wish to.

Getting started in mentoring

Some people start mentoring early in their careers because they see the ripple effect of their own learning. They want to pass that on and help others avoid the same challenges they’ve faced. Others prefer to take time to build their professional career first before venturing into mentoring.

The most important thing is to start when you feel ready to share what you’ve learned, empowering others to benefit from your experiences while guiding them through their decision-making journey.

If you’re looking to start, RPS Mentoring provides a great space to connect with others across the pharmacy profession, whether you want to find a mentor or become one yourself.

Case study: supporting a mentee’s career transition

In 2021, I began mentoring a pharmacy manager working in community pharmacy. She had completed her foundation training and gained significant experience in primary care but wanted to transition into secondary care.

We discussed her situation in depth – including family commitments, financial considerations and time management – to ensure the plan we built together was realistic and sustainable. From the beginning, she showed strong commitment, a willingness to work hard and clear awareness of both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Over time, we focused on practical steps to help her progress: building her CV, preparing for interviews and securing work experience placements. With ongoing mentoring and her own dedication, she soon achieved a Band 6 on-call position, moved into a Band 7 role and is now a Band 8a pharmacist. Along the way, she completed a postgraduate diploma and independent prescriber qualification and now plans to pursue an MSc in advanced clinical practice.

This example shows how a few years of mentoring, combined with commitment and motivation, can help pharmacists reach new heights in their careers. The mentee’s success demonstrates the power of mentoring to build confidence, open up new opportunities and support career progression.

How often should meetings be held?

The frequency of mentoring meetings depends on the goals and needs of the mentee. At first, meetings might be more regular (e.g. weekly) but can become less frequent as the relationship develops. Quality is more important than quantity.

The format can also be flexible. Meetings don’t always need to be formal or face-to-face – they can take place on MS Teams or even over the phone. Personally, I find lunchtime calls a perfect way to fit in mentoring sessions and offer support. What matters most is the impact and value of the discussion, not the setting.

Will I be good enough to be a mentor?

With the right mindset and support, absolutely. Experience shapes every mentoring journey, and no two mentees are the same. The key is to be adaptable – one approach does not fit all.

The RPS offers a wide range of resources to help mentors, including webinars, blogs and case studies. Mentoring isn’t about being a coach or having all the answers – it’s about sharing your experience to guide someone else.

If you are thinking about becoming a mentor, don’t hesitate. Through RPS Mentoring, you’ll find opportunities to share, learn and grow alongside others in the profession. Take the leap into mentoring – give what you can and you may even be surprised by how much you gain in return.