Mentorship

The WHRMA Mentorship Program is an exclusive member benefit to offer mentorship opportunities and enhanced professional connections among our membership. This program is designed to foster mentorship relationships that provide opportunities for emerging professionals in human resources to connect and learn from experienced HR professionals and leaders. The program connects a mentee and mentor to establish a one-to-one mentorship relationship that provides guidance, professional development, career support, and empowerment.

Introduction

Mission Statement

To cultivate the personal and professional growth and development of emerging professionals and rising leaders within the local human resources community.

Learning Objectives & Program Goals

·       Apply mentorship and coaching skills to empower professionals to identify and achieve career goals.

·       Foster opportunities for emerging professionals to connect with senior level HR professionals to support their career journey.

·       Facilitate professional development and networking to positively impact the local HR talent community.

·       Develop more meaningful connections among chapter members.

Mentees

Mentees are emerging professionals who are seeking guidance and support on their professional career journey. Mentees can be brand new to the HR profession or have some years of relevant HR experience in individual contributor roles. Mentees are open and ready to learn from a seasoned HR professional who will partner with them to work towards identified goals. Mentees will benefit from learning more about the HR industry and different career paths, receiving career support, growing their professional connections, and more.

Mentors

Mentors are experienced HR leaders or professionals with several years of functional HR or related industry experience. They have a keen interest and commitment to help develop emerging HR professionals and volunteer their time to give back to the local HR community by sharing their professional experiences and expertise. Mentors have the time and space to work with a mentee and are ready to give back to the HR profession by assisting the next generation of HR professionals. Mentors will share career experiences and knowledge, introduce networking opportunities, assist mentees in goal achievement and skill development, and more.

Program Overview 

Program Schedule

The mentorship program runs in a cohort format that runs for a period of 6 months. A new application is required for each cohort. Mentee and mentor participants must complete the online application to participate.

Upcoming Program Dates

Participant Requirements

To participate in this program, you must:

·       Be an active member of WHRMA and maintain membership for duration of cohort.

·       Be able to commit and actively participate for the 6 month period.

·       Attend the mentorship orientation facilitated by Emerging Professionals Chair at commencement of the program.

·       Meet at least once per month with assigned mentee/mentor.

·       Complete the program check-in and exit surveys.

Participation is limited and subject to match availability.

Format

The program will operate as follows:

·       Application: Interested members must submit an application to participate.

·       Email Match Introductions: Participants selected to participate will receive an email confirming cohort assignment, match introductions, and additional program details.

·       Orientation: All participants attend a virtual orientation session that will cover program details, mentorship and coaching concepts and tools, and networking.

·       1:1 Meetings: Pairs are expected to meet at least once per month at a mutually decided time and schedule. Communication should occur before and after meetings. Pairs have the ability to decide how often, when, and where they would like to meet. It can be virtual, or perhaps include a meeting over coffee or lunch.

·       Monthly Check-ins: Each month, each participant will receive an email to check-in, facilitate program participation, and provide a survey to complete. This ensures active participation, enhances the program, and provides an opportunity for participants to share feedback.

How to Apply

An ongoing application process will be available on the WHRMA website to attract interested mentee or mentor participants. The application process will consist of completing an application form, providing current resume and LinkedIn profile, and review and signature of a mentorship agreement, which includes responsibilities and code of conduct.

Applicants will be reviewed and approved for participation based on meeting program requirements and availability. If selected and approved to participate in the program, mentees and mentors will be matched in accordance with availability and the next cohort commencement. Matching is based on experience level, personal and professional interests and goals, and other factors.

Mentees and mentors will receive an email notifying of approval, match introductions, and further program details. Once the cohort commences, an orientation session will be held and all participants must attend. Thereafter, mentee/mentor should meet at least once per month. A monthly check-in will be required to be completed to ensure active participation.

Applications are currently closed and the current cohort is in progress. Please stay tuned for the next cohort!