Mentorship Program
APA AZ Mentorship Program Overview
The goal of mentoring at APA is to develop the next generation of planning professionals by pairing experienced individuals with those who want to learn more about their chosen profession, whom are either early in their professional careers or students interested in the field. APA believes that supporting healthy relationships between mentors and mentees provides immediate and long-term benefits for the individuals and the profession. APA Arizona’s Mentorship Program format is a combination of one-on-one, group, and network type activities to provide the best experience for all those involved.
Why Mentor?
By serving in a mentoring role in the complex world of planning, you are furthering professional development and shaping the future of planning. As an advocate, a mentor can help a mentee by providing knowledgeable and strategic advice, and a mentor can offer the perspectives that come only from experience to encourage the mentee to build on core capabilities or pursue an innovative opportunity. Each relationship is different.
● Increase retention and development of knowledge and intellectual capital
● Individual growth and development
● Enhance leadership skills
● Gain a sense of renewed purpose and/or approach to problem-solving
● Share wisdom and find new perspectives
● Use as a tool for succession planning
● Claim pro bono CM credits
Why Be a Mentee?
Make the most of your student or new planner membership with APA. The classroom may not fully prepare you for the working world. Taking part in a mentoring relationship is the bridge between practical and applied knowledge. As a mentee, you will grow your personal and professional knowledge and network. Your participation is a way to form a professional connection that can lead to opportunities beyond a typical job search.
● Focus on your career path and long-term goals
● Get advice based on real-world experiences
● Create a lasting professional relationship
● Gain a new approach to problem-solving
● Get insight from alternative areas
How to Apply
Please use this link to fill out the APA Arizona Mentorship Program Application. The application deadline is 4:00 pm, September 24th, 2021. Due to limited availability, please fill out the application as thoroughly as possible to aid in the selection process. If you are a student applying, a faculty letter of recommendation must be submitted by the deadline to lynndsayoneill@gmail.com in order to be considered.
APA Arizona Mentorship Program Schedule
The 2021/22 Mentorship Program Activities will be held both virtually and in-person, see below for more details.
September 24, 2021 – Application deadline at 4:00pm PST
October 20, 2021 – Kickoff Event via Zoom, 3-4pm
This will be a networking type event where you can meet all the mentors/mentees.
Assignment:
o Identify one career development and one personal growth goal for the mentee
o Set two SMART goals for the mentor/mentee relationship
November 17, 2021 – SMART Goals Workshop via Zoom, 3-4pm
This workshop we will discuss what mentors/mentees hope to gain from the experience and what skills could be achieved for professional development. Mentors/Mentees will share their SMART Goals that they have developed.
December 2021 – APA Arizona Holiday Networking Event (Date/Time, Location TBD)
Assignment:
o Mentor to review and provide feedback on Mentee’s Resume
February 16, 2022 - Resume/Interview Workshop via Zoom, 3-4pm
Resumes and good interview skills are critical in making a lasting impression and getting the job! This workshop will provide discussion on tips and tricks for getting noticed, pro/cons of certain techniques used in writing resumes and cover letters, and different types of questions that may be asked during an interview and how best to prepare.
Assignment:
o Mentor to review and provide feedback on a different Mentee’s Resume and conduct a mock interview for another.
March 2022 – Volunteer Day (Date/Time TBD, Feed My Starving Children Mesa)
Volunteer Day is a great way to interact with your mentor/mentee in a less formal environment while doing a service for the community. This event will be determined at a later time depending on the current health situations.
April 20, 2022 – Q & A via Zoom, 3-4pm
No questions barred, ask questions of all the mentors, and gain a better understanding of the different types of planning, the different sectors, and get insight into the numerous career paths mentors have taken to get where they are in their careers.
May 2022 - Next Steps Meeting via Zoom, May 18th from 3-4pm & Networking Event (Date/Time, Location TBD)
Mentors/mentees will share the goals they set at the beginning of the program. Did they achieve them? What could have been done differently? What new goals will you set for yourself moving forward?
APA Arizona Mentorship Program Guidelines
● Attend all scheduled program activities
-If unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, you will notify the APA AZ Mentorship Program Director and implement and document activity with mentor/mentee.
● Communicate with mentor/mentee at least once a month via phone, email, in-person or virtually (outside of the scheduled events), and document advice that was shared
● Additional activities may include but are not limited to:
-Job shadowing
-Attending Community Meetings/Events