What is the Mentoring Program and Why Should You Participate?
There are several schools of thought when it comes to mentoring. Formal programs often have structure, organization, and a set time period with goals and objectives in mind. The formal approach involves program administrators facilitating matches, providing a framework, and a definitive beginning and completion to the program.
Informal mentoring is typically mentee driven, happens organically, and doesn’t always have facilitated matching. Often the goals are not defined, and engagement only consists of a few meetings.
In our Formal mentoring program through PWB and YLC we take the best of both worlds. We:
- Arrange a formal match
- Require a 6-month commitment
- Provide mentor and mentee workbooks
- Expect mentee driven engagement
- Assign a mentor committee member for program orientation
- Present best practice and recommendations for success
While we encourage the formal approach by utilizing the materials and setting achievable goals, it is up to the pairing to proceed as they best see fit during their 6-month pairing.
Mentoring partnerships create opportunities and rewards for both mentors and mentees alike. Not only do mentees learn important skills and ideas for their personal and professional growth, but mentors also come away with strengthened leadership skills, fresh perspectives, and personal satisfaction in helping others reach for their goals.
Mentoring Sponsors
Council Sponsors
Why Become a Mentee?
Learning and growth are keys to success no matter what stage of life you are in. Different perspectives, ideas, and encouragement can assist in overcoming barriers, blocks, or plateaus in your professional or personal life.
Entering into a our mentoring program can:
- Expand skill sets and knowledge base
- Obtain alternative perspectives
- Identify strengths
- Reduce limitations
- Increase your network
- Advance your career
The beauty of this program is setting your own goals and working with an industry professional to help you grow. Check out our Mentor Gallery and learn more about our 3 easy steps to get started!
Volunteering as a mentor in the formal mentoring program is a rewarding 6-month commitment. As a mentor you get to support and shape the industry leaders of tomorrow, with just a few hours per month.
Mentoring benefits include:
- Building leadership skills
- Sharpening emotional intelligence
- Fine tuning teaching abilities
- Expanding perspectives
Being a mentor not only helps a mentee hone their strengths and knowledge to advance in the industry, it can provide the mentor with new insights and fresh ideas while transforming someone else’s world.
It also feels good to help someone else!