Mentor/Protégé Program

The SMPS Central Florida Mentor-Protégé program offers an exclusive chance for one-on-one mentoring with a seasoned professional in the AEC industry. This initiative is integral to embodying our mission of "business transformed through marketing leadership." Our Mentor/Protégé program serves as a valuable tool, aiding members in navigating their career paths, addressing challenges, and gaining targeted knowledge based on their unique needs.

Protégé Requirements

  • Marketing professionals who are currently in a marketing or business development role at a firm in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry

  • Minimum of 1 year of professional experience

  • Current SMPS Central Florida member in good standing. Interested in participating but not a member? Join today!

  • Able to invest time in the mentor/protégé experience and committed to completing monthly progress reports

  • Interested in growing career

  • Willing to take the initiative for self-reflection, goal-setting, and growth – protégés are required to set up meetings and follow up with their mentors. Bring ideas to each meeting that you want to discuss or learn from. Ask questions and push your mentors.

Mentor Requirements

  • Marketing or business development professionals with a minimum of four years of professional experience at AEC industry firms

  • Current or past SMPS member

  • Committed 100%. Available to commit the time needed to help your protégé

  • Eager to share your wisdom

  • Able to honor information shared in confidence and act as a safe space for your protégé

  • Open to learning new concepts and ideas for personal growth

How does this program work?

  • Step One: Attend a Q&A session to learn more about the program.

  • Step Two: Interested protégés and mentors complete the application form by Nov. 30th.

  • Step Three: Attend the kickoff event in January (additional details are provided on the location and time as it gets closer).

  • Step Four: The Mentor/Protégé Program begins!

In addition to your monthly Mentor/Protégé self-guided meetings, SMPS Central Florida will facilitate the following:

  • Mentor/Protégé Program Kick-Off

  • Spring Mentor/Protégé Mid-Year Check-in

  • Mentor/Protégé Graduation at our End of the Year Celebration

Pairing Details

The Mentor/Protégé team works hard to make a quality match between pairs. Because so many factors are involved, please know that we cannot accommodate requests.

Fees

Free with SMPS Central Florida Membership.

Benefits of Mentoring Relationships

Mentor

  • Learn from novices and those who are following behind you

  • Share and pass on expertise, skills, and competencies

  • Foster confidence

Protégé

  • Learn from experts and those who have gone before you

  • Develop and advance expertise, skills, and competencies

  • Grow self-confidence

Additional Benefits for Both:

  • Gain perspective from different points of view

  • Explore new ideas and methods

  • Build a professional network

  • Become the best version of your self

Advice for Future Protégés:

  • Clarify Your Objectives: Start by asking yourself, "What do I hope to achieve from this mentorship?" Clearly define your goals and openly communicate them to your mentor.

  • Focus on Relationship Building: Remember, mentorship is not a recruitment exercise. Instead, leverage this opportunity to pinpoint specific goals and address your concerns while building a meaningful connection. A good mentor can significantly impact your career.

  • Take the Lead: As the protégé, you are the guide in this journey. Lead discussions, set the agenda for meetings, and identify goals. Your mentor serves as a facilitator, helping you navigate the roadmap you create.

  • Show Respect: Honor your commitment to professional development. Approach the mentorship with dedication, recognizing its role in shaping your career trajectory.

Advice for Future Mentors:

  • Embrace Your Role as a Guide: Recognize that your role is more of a guide than a traditional teacher.

  • Empower your Protégé: Allow your protégé to take the lead, steering their own path. Offer insights from your own experiences and facilitate their self-awareness journey.

  • Respect the Process: Honor the mentoring process and the time commitment it entails. Patience and dedication are the key elements of a successful mentorship.

  • Expand Opportunities: Actively involve your protégé in both formal and informal SMPS Central Florida events and meetings when appropriate. This not only fosters networking but enhances their overall learning experience.

Any questions? Reach out to the Membership Director at [email protected]

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