See also: Mentoring in the Digital Age Requires Real Communication, by BJ Whitman via
prsay.prsa.org
This pilot program is open to all current CoSIDA members and those who will renew membership for 2015-16. The program kicked off at the 2015 Convention, but if you were not in attendance, join us now as a mentor or mentee.
At the June Convention, CoSIDA unveiled a new mentorship program. This new member benefit matches athletics communications veterans with those who would benefit from mentorship. These seasoned colleagues will provide career advice and both the mentor and mentee will benefit from support and feedback.
“We've had a tremendous response in the first two months of our mentorship program, and we invite other current CoSIDA members to join
us as we head into the fall semester. This program will give our experienced members a chance to connect with those who are just starting out or even those who are simply looking for a jump-start on their career,” said Andy Seeley, assistant athletics director for communications at the University of Central Florida and the first vice president of CoSIDA.
Mentors and mentees are expected to commit to a minimum of four meetings over the course of a year — in person if possible but via a phone call when necessary. They will work together to establish overall program goals and guidelines for each meeting.
Mentees will experience increased job satisfaction and be prepared for new roles and responsibilities in their careers. Mentors will have the satisfaction of helping up-and-comers in the industry and are likely to gain fresh perspectives and insights into the athletics communications field.
Important notes:
• There are a limited number of slots available for this year’s pilot program. Professionals who are seeking mentors and those who believe they can contribute as a mentor should contact Laurie Bollig at
lauriebollig@cosida.com or 913-707-0365.
• The program is open to all 2015-16 (current) CoSIDA members and those who will be joining or renewing membership for the 2015-16 academic year over the next few months. (Deadline to join as a 2015-16 member is Sept. 14, 2015.)
The initial mentors and mentees will be paired together in advance of the June convention and met for the first time in Orlando if both were in attendance. CoSIDA leadership will conduct a conference call with those involved in the program in August.
“We believe this is an important new benefit for our membership and expect there will be many members who will want to take advantage of the opportunity to either be a mentee or a mentor,” Seeley said.