Mentorship is a relationship formed between a Mentor and Mentee with the goal of sharing knowledge and expertise between the Mentor and the Mentee. It can be a formal relationship with written goals and scheduled meeting times or it can be as informal as an occasional chat or email exchange.

If you have any questions, please email MPIPotomacMentorship@gmail.com

What is Mentoring?

• A mentor is a coach, guide, tutor, facilitator, counselor and trusted advisor. A mentor is someone willing to spend his or her time and expertise to guide the development of another person.
• A mentee is someone who wants to learn from someone who knows and seeks their valuable advice in order to grow personally and/or professionally.
• Key Mentoring Skills:

• Listening Actively
• Building Trust
• Determining Goals
• Encouraging and Inspiring

What are the Goals of the Mentorship Program?

• Develop a relationship between Mentor and Mentee.
• Both Mentor and Mentee should identify their expectations and the expected outcomes of participating in the program.
• Assist Mentees with career development goals. 

What are the Benefits of the Mentorship Program?

Don’t be shy, sign up and this could be a lifelong friendship and learning experience for both of you as you continue your paths in the industry!

• Mentee develops a one-on-one relationship with an established industry professional.
• Great way to build a network and develop connections.  Don’t live in the same city? Don’t worry! Virtual platforms are great ways to connect.
• Flexible and manageable time commitment means that both Mentor/Mentee can learn from each other as their schedules permit.  Remember the Mentor doesn’t always have to be the teacher.
• Practice interview skills and techniques with your Mentor who can give insight on interviews in the industry.

What is the commitment to the Mentorship Program?

• All participants should be given the time and encouragement to participate. Based on feedback, program will be evaluated in June (mid-year) to determine the effectiveness of the mentorship connection.
• All participants should discuss the expectation of privacy regarding their conversations.

   Role of the Mentor

• Your Mentee will contact you to schedule the initial meeting within the first month and any subsequent meetings thereafter. Remember to guide the relationship, the quest for information and the substance of the partnership.
• Discuss your expectations of the program with your Mentee.
• Confirm and keep all scheduled appointments with your Mentee.
• Highlight industry events that you and your Mentee may participate in together and introduce your Mentee to industry leaders. Either virtually or hybrid.
• Mentors can translate their own career journey for Mentees and how it impacted their career paths. 
• Share your own setbacks. Sharing mistakes and professional areas of opportunity can assist Mentees in becoming more comfortable and recognize that making mistakes are an inevitable part of the job, and life.
• Model good character. As a Mentor you’re far more than a job supervisor. You’re a role model for how to interact with others on the job, not just what skills to perform. Demonstrating compassion, respect, self-confidence, and good decision-making skills can teach your mentee more than you realize.
• Be willing to be proven wrong. Your Mentee may have an idea or ambition that seems unrealistic to you. Don’t discourage them immediately; give the idea some thought. Remember best practices in many workplaces change with the times. Especially if your mentee is younger than you, they may have a fresh perspective on new developments in your field.
• Develop a Quarterly Action Plan with your Mentee.  Take the overall goal agreed upon and determine which activities will work best in helping to achieve that goal.
• Meet with your Mentee. This can include lunch, MPI Potomac Chapter events, other industry meetings and social events.
• Complete a midyear and a final Evaluation Form at the end of the program.
• Learn and Have Fun! Don't be afraid to think outside the box!

   Role of the Mentee

• Schedule initial meeting within 30 days with your Mentor and be on time.
• Establish goals based on your needs.  Set meeting expectations in the beginning and ensure meetings are scheduled in advance. 
• Be prepared to discuss your questions, short and long-term goals, and any topics you feel you would like advice on. 
• Create and share an agenda in advance of each meeting with your Mentor. Confirm and keep all scheduled appointments with your Mentor
• Make sure you are an active listener and that you maintain confidentiality.
• Recognize the importance of the Mentor's time. Come to the meeting prepared with questions and talking points to make the best use of time.
• Be proactive and willing to request and act upon feedback.  Follow through on recommendations is important. Be reach to report back and provide a status update.
• Maintain a connections and communicate with Mentor on a regular basis.
• Complete a midyear and a final Evaluation Form at the end of program.
• Learn and Have Fun! Don't be afraid to think outside the box!