Mentoring
What it's about?
Commenced in February 2002, Marketing Women established the mentoring program, which runs twice annually over four months. The program enables young marketers to gain from the experience of more senior professionals. We have been able to recruit mentors, who bring a wealth of corporate experience and diversity in terms of industry background.
Members who are interested in participating in the program are asked to complete an application explaining their background, interests and their motivation for participation. If a suitable match can be found for the person, they are invited to join the next available program.
The Marketing Women mentoring program provides a formal structure within which the mentoring relationship can continue for a period of four months. There is an introductory session at commencement, reviews at various stages along the way, with a final review upon comletion. Meetings help to keep the mentoring pairs on track, and enable participants to extend their networks, share experiences and get to know others in the program.
Marketing Women assign a representative for mentors and those being mentored, so as issues arise through the program, members have someone to call for advice and and resolution.
What’s in it For Me?
Benefits to the mentoree include networking, raising their profile, meeting influential people, planning and taking charge of one’s career development, becoming more confident and optimistic about the future, and understanding the work environment.
Benefits to the mentor include increased personal satisfaction, having an opportunity to reassess one’s own career goals and strategies, the opportunity to share experiences and give something back to the profession, along with increased self-confidence.
Mentor testimonials:
“It’s rewarding for me to see my mentoree develop and obtain results from ideas and plans that we’ve developed in our sessions together”.
“Being a mentor was a highly rewarding experience”.
Mentoree testimonials:
“I wish I had a mentor when I was in my formative years as a marketing professional - someone to bounce ideas off and seek guidance from”.
“It was one of the most worthwhile things I have ever taken part in”.
What is the Time Commitment?
You will need to attend four 2-hour training and review sessions throughout the four month program. All other meetings are arranged between the mentor and mentoree, so there is considerable flexibility. It is recommended that you be prepared to commit at least two hours a month to the program.
How Do I Participate?
To be mentored you must be a member of Marketing Women Melbourne.
To join Marketing Women, first complete a membership application, then complete the Mentoring Program Application. It is important that you complete both forms because the mentoring form asks specific questions that enable us to match you with an appropriate mentor.
When is the Next Mentoring Program?
There is an intake in the first half of the year (February) and again in the second (July). For further information please contact Sandra Goode, the Mentoring Program Coordinator, at info@marketingwomen.net or ph: 0410 431 938. Alternatively contact info@marketingwomen.net
All applications should be emailed to info@marketingwomen.net .
The 16 week mentoring program costs $130 for those interested in being mentored. Mentors participate at no cost. This includes all sessions and review meetings, light refreshments at the meetings and training materials provided.