To develop a mentoring program that will match TWC members with experienced new media professionals who will coach and advise the individual in the area(s) where she wishes to become more proficient.
Develop and adopt guidelines for mentoring relationships (frequency of meetings, phone contact, etc.) Hold an open mentoring session, where TWC members who wish to be mentors spend 30 minutes one-on-one talking with those who are seeking mentors about specifc topics of interest-the finer points of e-mail, search engine optimization, website design principles, contract negotiation, javascript programming, etc. Recruit 10 mentors in the calendar year 2002 and match them with appropriate mentoring candidates.
What is mentoring?
According to the National Mentoring Working Group, a responsible mentoring
program:
- Is a structured, one-to-one relationship or partnership that focuses on the needs of the mentored participant Fosters caring and supportive relationships Encourages individuals to develop to their fullest potential Helps an individual to develop a personal vision for the future
- Is a strategy to develop active community partnerships
The national mentoring partnership also describes a mentor as a guide, a friend, a listener, and a coach.
Who's eligible for the mentoring program?
Any member of TWC may sign up for a mentor. While the traditional mentoring
relationship is of a more experienced career professional with an entry-level
person, the nature of this rapidly changing and growing industry makes it appropriate
for people of any age to work with a mentor-in some cases, the mentor may be
younger than the mentoree. Mentors should have several years experience in a
given field-e.g., a mentor in Internet design should have several years experience
working as an Internet designer.
Who needs a mentor?
We all do! We all have skills and talents that we've developed and use in
our every day lives, but we all have things we need and want to learn from others
with more experience. A mentor can help develop specific skills ranging from
the technical to management to personal development. Having a mentor can be an
invaluable experience in growing a career.
Why should I be a mentor?
While mentoring doesn't take a lot of time, it can make a huge difference
not only for the person being mentored, but for the mentor. Chances are that
you didn't get where you are in your career without help-managers, colleagues,
friends, parents, and coaches have mentored you in many ways-answering questions,
giving advice, acting as a sounding board, proofreading your resume, practicing
interviewing, etc. Being a mentor allows you to give back to the professional
community by helping others as you've been helped. Interestingly, though, being
a mentor helps you further develop your own skills. It often forces you to think
about why things work the way they work, and stimulates creative ideas on how
to do things better. Your mentoree will stimulate your mind, and often can give
you a fresh perspective on an old situation.
How can a mentor help?
Mentors typically answer general questions about preparation for working
in an industry, the work environment, and how to handle various situations the
mentoree may encounter. Mentors can also help their mentorees prepare for job
interviews, resume writing, etc., by posing questions or sharing information
on what they would look for in hiring someone for the position the mentoree seeks.
Mentors also share their professional experiences and offer guidance.
How long will the mentor be available once assigned?
The mentor relationship should last for an initial term of one year. After
that period, mentor and mentoree may decide to continue the relationship or work
with others.
How often should mentor and mentoree meet?
The mentor and mentoree should make an effort to meet once per month; more
frequent contact via phone or e-mail to answer specific questions or just to
check in is also recommended. The exact operations will vary from relationship
to relationship and should be determined mutually by the parties involved.