Mentorship Programs

The PMI Durham Highlands Mentorship Programs

Together We Can: 1-to-1 Mentorship Program

At PMI Durham Highlands (PMI-DHC), we are committed to supporting the learning and development goals of our community  Together we can help each other work towards professional goals, unite to drive forward and create impact, see challenges as opportunities and be empowered to deliver.

Our chapter is focused on continuing to create a community culture of learning and personal growth in which project management professional development is prioritized for all. Our mentorship programs contribute to this culture and are designed specifically to support busy professionals and aspiring project managers. These programs are focused on overall Project Management career-related development – supporting individuals with reaching their career goals – and is guided by the Mentee’s Learning Plan.

Please take advantage of our Mentorship Program by registering today. Mentors and Mentees are partnered to build a “one-to-one” mentoring relationship through commitment, mutual trust, respect, and communication. Together they will establish a learning plan tailored specifically to the Mentee’s goals and objectives and the Mentor’s strengths. 

When are the Mentorship Programs at PMI-DHC?

At PMI-DHC we believe the most successful and influential people in each industry have mentors, and also mentor others. Therefore, we offer multiple mentoring opportunities throughout the year to support our participant's Career Goals, Professional and Leadership Development. The program runs from 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the time of year.

How Are the Programs Structured?

Mentors and Mentees complete an enrolment form during the registration process outlining their expectations from the program and a potential mentorship partner. Mentors and Mentees are matched based on the content within the enrolment form and together they develop a learning plan tailored specifically to the Mentee’s goals and objectives and the Mentor’s strengths.

The one-to-one Mentor/Mentee meetings will be guided by the agreed upon learning plan. Sessions for the full cohort focus on Project Management skills and themes driven by the PMI® Talent Triangle. Guest speakers, resources, tools and activities will be shared throughout the program to support the cohort and themes.

What are the benefits of registering for the Program?

Benefits derived from the program for both the Mentor and Mentee are tied directly to the effort and commitment the participants contribute to the relationship and the mentorship team as a whole. As a participant in the program, you will have a unique opportunity to gain valuable business, corporate, organizational, and personal insight that will enable you to grow as an individual and as a project management leader. You will be joining a mentorship community which includes a minimum of two (2) virtual meetings per program, several 1:1 sessions between the Mentor and Mentee, and PDUs aligned to one or more of the critical areas on PMI’s Talent Triangle. PDUs are submitted on behalf of participants who are collecting them based on attendance and the Meeting Tracker submitted at the end of the program.

Who should register for the Program?

Mentors and Mentees – those who want to learn more about Project Management and those who have the experience to share – should consider registering. 

• Through one-to-one pairings, Mentors and Mentees work on a mentoring plan to share and discuss project management concepts, knowledge, skills and their applicability in the real world.
• The Orientation and Checkpoint full-cohort sessions add value to the pairing through the creation of a community of practice, and an interactive learning approach which augments the mentorship partnership.
• Mentor's and Mentee's will be supported with best practices and tips to make the most of their engagement in the program.
• Mentorship partners are encouraged to attend at least one of PMI-DHC’s monthly chapter meetings during the course of the program to connect in person (if they are not able to meet regularly one-on-one), learn more from their peers and to learn about other chapter offerings.
  
  

What does it mean to be a Mentee?

Mentees are any individual with interest in learning and growing within the project management profession. When you register to participate in the PMI-DHC Mentorship Program as a Mentee, you are asking another individual to commit for an extended duration to assist you in your project management growth and development. 

As a Mentee, you will also contribute to the relationship through the knowledge and experience you impart to your Mentor, helping them grow as a leader. In this role, it is imperative that you recognize and respect the commitment both you and your Mentor have made to the program for the duration of the mentoring relationship.

There are no certification requirements to participate as a Mentee.  Your key requirement is to ‘show up’ for all program events and one-to-one meetings prepared and ready to engage.

Benefits of being a Mentee include:

• Build trusting relationships.
• Be encouraged and empowered in professional development.
• Gain support to identify and achieve learning plan goals.
• Receive support to identify and reduce gaps in general professional skills and knowledge.
• Increase your confidence.
• Develop and maintain a broader perspective on career options and opportunities.
• Have access to a role model.
• Develop your mentoring/coaching skills.
• Upon program completion, earn the defined amount of PDUs.
  
  

What does it mean to be a Mentor?

Mentors are facilitators and catalysts in the process of discovery and insight. When you register to participate in the PMI-DHC Mentorship Program as a Mentor, you are committing to assist in the growth and development of another individual in the project management profession.

The Mentee will come to rely on you for guidance, advice, and counseling. In this role, it is imperative that you recognize and respect the commitment you’ve made to the program and to the Mentee with whom you are partnered for the duration of the mentorship relationship. As a Mentor, one of your primary objectives is to equip your Mentee with the ability to problem solve, versus solving their problems.

Benefits of being a Mentor include:

• Build trusting relationships.
• Serve the PMI community.
• Improve communication and personal skills.
• Develop leadership and management qualities.
• Reinforce your own knowledge of Project Management.
• Increase your confidence and motivation.
• Engage in a volunteering opportunity, valued by employers.
• Enhance your CV.
• Gain recognition for your skills and experience.
• Benefit from a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.
• Upon program completion, earn the defined amount of PDUs.
  
  

How much time do Mentors/Mentees spend in their pairings?

Mentors and Mentees will spend a minimum number of hours over the course of the program (in addition to the time allotted concurrently at the full cohort sessions such as the orientation and checkpoint sessions), developing and working through their action plan. This can be done virtually (phone or zoom) or face-to-face while abiding by pandemic protocols in place in their town/city, if applicable.

What happens at the Orientation Session?

Mentors and Mentees will come together for an initial orientation at the beginning of the program. This mandatory session will cover the requirements of the program and some of the basics about mentorship. Time will be allocated to facilitate introductions to the full mentorship cohort and networking within the Mentee / Mentor pairings. 

What are the Checkpoint Meetings for?

The checkpoint meetings will offer continued opportunities to explore concepts designed to augment the full benefits of this two-way partnership throughout the mentoring journey. These sessions also allow the team to discuss successes and challenges, network, socialize and engage in additional learning. The final checkpoint focuses on hearing from Mentors/Mentees and gathering their feedback on the program.

How do I Register?

When registration is open, you will be required to follow the simple two (2) step process:

(1) Register as either a MENTOR or MENTEE and submit payment.
(2) In your post-registration email, you will receive a link to the Mentorship Program Form. Complete the form and upload your Resumé so we can match Mentors with Mentees.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Prices (plus HST)

• $25 Mentee (Member, login for member price)
• $35 Mentee (Non-member/Guest)
• $15 Mentee (Student/Guest, student number required)
• FREE for Mentors