Mentorship 25+ is a program intended to provide Out in Tech members who identify as LGBTQ+ with mentorship in their chosen discipline or desired skill set development. Mentees will be mentored by Out in Tech volunteers who have been selected based on their experience in the mentee’s chosen area of development. Mentors will offer support and encouragement, act as a sounding board for possibilities and serve as an aide in personal accountability towards growth.
The first 2022 program will run for eight weeks beginning Monday, June 13
Mentees are expected to meet with their mentors at least weekly.
Mentors and mentees are suggested to review the What’s Next Adult Coaching workbook sections on values and goal setting. (How/ where to explain the Adult Coaching program/ workbook?)
In addition to the mentor/ mentee one on one meetings, the program will require the following time commitments:
We are looking for participants who are working and/ or have post-high school education; are looking to make a career change such as seeking advancement within a company or to another company, are looking to change into a completely different field of work and/ or are shifting from corporate/ salaried employment to solopreneur/ entrepreneurial business or practices.
The program does not offer coaching which typically focuses on relationships, home, family and, for LGBTQ+ people - coming out, socialization or very specific issues such as self-care for those living with HIV-AIDS, dealing with transphobia and racism within minority or typically non-gay-positive cultures or coaching combined with therapy.
However, we do look for mentors who have sufficient life experience and empathy and compassion to be supportive of individuals dealing with those issues. Still, the focus of this program is on the specific skills and tools the mentee seeks to develop or improve to be more fulfilled and rewarded in their work.
Mentors with experience in a wide variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply. We expect the disciplines which will be in greatest demand will be:
Mentor candidates with previous experience in mentorship programs whether as a mentor or as a mentee are preferred. However mentor candidates who have demonstrated leadership, empathy, emotional intelligence and active listening skills in academic or professional settings are also encouraged to apply.
Mentor candidates who are accepted into the program will also be added to a private channel for program Admins and other Mentors. Mentors are encouraged to share their experiences with fellow Mentors and, if necessary, seek advice from Admins and fellow Mentors.
See Coaching & Mentoring about OIT’s other programs and our perspective on the programs we offer.