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.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 12, 2021

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 and any subsequent meetings. Schedule initial meeting during the first month. Remember to guide the relationship, the quest for information and the substance of the partnership.
• Discuss your expectations of the program with 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 setbacks can support Mentees in becoming more comfortable and ready to make mistakes since that's 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 Quarterly Action Plan with Mentee.  This can include lunch, MPI Potomac Chapter events, other industry meetings and social events.
• Learn and Have Fun!

   Role of the Mentee

• Schedule initial meeting with Mentor and be on time.
• Establishing 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. 
• Providing agendas in advance of each meeting.
• Being an active listener.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Recognizing the importance of the Mentor's time.
• Having a willingness to request and act on feedback.
• Following through with recommendations.
• Communicate with Mentor on a regular basis.
• Complete a midyear and a final Evaluation Form at the end of program.
• Learn and Have Fun!