Thank you to all who applied to the 2009-10 CPRS Mentorship program. The mentee application deadline has passed and the matching process has begun. Successful applicants will be contacted mid-October. Currently, there are 13 confirmed mentors on board.
*Note to future mentees: The next application year is 2010-11. Applications will be offered in Fall 2010.
Who says you have to wait until next May or September to plant a healthy garden? The 2009-10 CPRS Hamilton Mentorship program is sowing its roots now. Our program is designed to nurture and grow the public relations profession by matching senior practitioners with intermediate to junior practitioners and PR/communications students.
Starting in October, more than a dozen mentor-mentee relationships will begin to bloom. We already have mentors signed up for this year. Now we’re looking for mentees to join our successful program. On or after September 21, please click here to apply. Recruitment closes Monday, September 28, 2009.
What Mentorship program alumni are saying…
“Having a mentor was beneficial for several reasons. [My mentor] allowed me to assist her during an event that she was planning, allowing me to use the skills that I was learning at Niagara College and apply them outside of the classroom. Also, she explained some of her own personal work experiences and allowed me to learn more about the PR industry. Simply having someone to talk to and discuss ideas with was what I enjoyed most about having a mentor.”
– Dave Mammoliti, past mentee
“My favourite [Mentorship program event] was the panel presentation by PR experts from a variety of different sectors. As my job experience includes a variety of roles in the non-profit sector, I was very interested to learn more about PR within corporate and agency environments.”
– Tori (Reep) Buggeln, past mentor
What are the benefits to this program?
- Being a mentee can help you develop personal and professional skills and insights that you will have for a lifetime. Some of the benefits may include:
- Access to an intermediate or senior practitioner in your field of interest who can serve as a guide and confidant as you progress in your PR career.
- An opportunity to gain valuable industry skills and knowledge.
- Building essential networking skills, as well as, establishing a network of PR contacts through your mentor.
- Guidance with writing your resume, developing your portfolio or other career advice.
- Being a mentor can be a highly rewarding and satisfying experience. Some of the benefits to you include:
- An opportunity to enhance your communication and leadership skills.
- A chance to broaden your own network as you become engaged in the world of an intermediate or junior practitioner or PR student.
- A sense of accomplishment and pride as you participate in the successes of your mentee.
- Increased recognition from your peers and professional society for your contributions to our profession.
Click here to view mentor brochure.
Click here to view mentee brochure.
How is the mentorship experience structured?
CPRS members who participate in this program are asked to make a seven-month commitment (October to April) to their mentor or mentee. It is expected that you are committing time to building a two-way relationship. This requires monthly contact with each other to keep connected.
Together, the mentor and mentee will develop a set of goals based on your needs and interests. For instance, as a mentee you may look to your mentor for guidance in different kinds of PR work and workplaces that exist, or you may need advice about a career move. Once goals have been developed, you and your mentor need to determine how these goals will be reached. The Mentorship committee will provide you with programming and support to help build your relationship. Remember - mentoring is designed to be a fun and mutually rewarding experience.
How can I join the mentorship program?
Complete the appropriate form below:
- Mentee Application Form (WORD)
- Mentee Application Form (PDF)
For more information please contact Monday, September 28, 2009, to:
- Ginny Jones, APR - Chair, Mentorship
President
Acuity Options
176 Lovers Lane
Ancaster, ON L9G 1G8
Phone: 905.648.2049
cell: 905.515.0907
acuity.options@sympatico.ca
There are 4 group events that take place during the program that you are expected to attend.
- Mentorship Orientation
- Speed Mentoring
- Professional Development Night
- Program Wrap-Up Party & Feedback Night
Please Note: The program is open to CPRS members only. For membership information, please contact CPRS Hamilton.
