MENTORING
matching software, introduced in 2016 — has made the program more accessible and user-friendly. Technology also made the recent expansion possible. Before, new participants had to attend an in-person orientation to learn about program expecta- tions. Because of logistical challenges, the orientation was offered in Calgary and Edmonton only. Now, all new participants must watch a series of five online orientation videos instead, meaning that they get their required training without leaving home. Once we’ve confirmed that they’ve watched the videos, they can start searching the database for a mentoring partner. As part of their online profile, mentor applicants are asked what skills they can share with mentees. Mentee applicants are asked what areas they want to be mentored in. To improve the likelihood of a successful match, all participants are asked to share details about themselves such as: • discipline WHO CAN JOIN APEGA'S MENTORING PROGRAM? The program is open to APEGA Members in good standing. • To become a mentor, you must be a Professional Member • To become a mentee, you must be an Examinee, Member-in-Training, or Professional Member Currently, the program is not open to students or applicants. QUICK FACTS About 400 mentors and 300 mentees participate in the APEGA Mentoring Program, most in Edmonton and Calgary. More than 1,500 APEGA Members have been matched since the program launched in 2005. • location • industry • gender
• education • employment status • languages spoken Applicants must upload a short personal and pro- fessional summary, and a resume. If they want to, they can add a photograph. The process should take them five or 10 minutes. DEVELOPING BETTER PROFESSIONALS Mentoring is a shared opportunity for learning and growth that benefits both mentors and mentees, and ultimately enhances and strengthens the professions, too. Mentors have an opportunity to give back to their profession and pass on their knowledge to eager mentees. Plus, they too can learn from their mentees, who often come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives to share. Being a mentor is also a great way to earn credits that can be put towards APEGA's mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. Mentors can claim up to 20 CPD hours for each year of active mentoring. HOW DO I APPLY? 1. Visit apega.ca/mentoring. 2. Click on Become a Mentor or Become a Mentee. 3. Fill out the online form and submit your application. 4. Once accepted, you’ll be required to watch a series of orientation videos. 5. We’ll confirm you’ve watched the videos. If you are a mentee, you will now pay a non- refundable $50 fee. If you’re a mentor, there’s no charge. 6. Log into your account and start searching for a mentoring match.
If you find that a match is unsatisfactory, you can close that relationship and keep looking.
WINTER 2017 PEG | 37
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker