Mentorship Program | WISE Seattle

benefits

Benefits of Being a Mentor

Benefits of Being a Mentor

Benefits of Being a Mentor

Opportunity to give back to women in the industry by guiding and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Expand professional networks, including interaction with other mentors and program alumni/ae.
Learn the values, expectations and work styles of mid-level professionals.
Satisfaction from developing and helping someone else grow and see her succeed in career goals.
Broaden your perspective on work-related issues.
Enhance your communication and relationship skills.
Opportunity to reflect upon and share the successes and challenges of your personal career journey.
Receive recognition as a mentor within WISE and the industry.

Benefits of Being a Mentee

Benefits of Being a Mentor

Benefits of Being a Mentor

Learn from someone who has extensive experience in the industry, pitfalls to avoid, ways to gain strategic visibility and how someone else has reached the executive level.
Gain new perspectives and strategies on industry, company and professional challenges.
Expand professional networks and resource base.
Develop a focus and direction congruent with your career goals.
Opportunity to explore new ideas and alternatives.

program details

Time Commitment and Program Structure

Six-month duration, from May to November.
Three facilitated group sessions.
Monthly one-to-one meetings in person (at minimum), and ideally a second meeting in person or by phone.
Attend compulsory kick-off and closure events. Mentors and Mentees are strongly encouraged to attend the mid-point retreat event as well.
Exclusive online content and program materials.

Participant Requirements and Expectations

Participants accept and agree to the terms set forth by the program agreement.
Participants enter into a one-to-one mentoring relationship.
Mentees will create a short-term individual growth plan, focusing on 1 specific skill they would like to develop, and can reasonably do so within the 6 months of the program.
Mentors will help mentees create an action plan to achieve measurable results in regards to the skill they choose to improve.
Participants attend a series of facilitated, onsite group sessions that are integral elements of the program. These sessions allow for dialogue among the group, giving participants the opportunity to develop additional professional connections, address career issues, discuss challenges and solutions, and share perspectives.

Program Guidelines

Mentoring is a mentee-driven, mentor-guided process.
Mentoring is a two-way, active learning exchange.
Confidentiality is essential to the success of the partnership.
Goals, roles, expectations and time frames are clearly defined at the onset.
Mentoring creates an environment of mutual support and sharing among professionals.
Mentoring is a reciprocal relationship.
Success depends on your level of commitment to the program and to your mentoring partner.