FITT is delighted to announce the launch of our 2008 Mentoring Program generously sponsored by AWISE and IBM. This mentoring program supports two of FITT’s primary objectives: Inspire women in the industry to achieve their personal aspirations and potential AND Assist women to broaden their understanding of the ICT industry.

What is mentoring? What are the benefits of mentoring? What is expected from the parties in mentoring?

What is mentoring?

What are the benefits of mentoring?

Our 2007 mentors confirm the benefits for mentors are:

Gain a great sense of satisfaction, giving back and seeing your mentee grow and develop Articulating and sharing valued Technical and professional skills, knowledge and understanding (often improving own understanding) Building key skills in providing effective feedback and basic coaching skills (useful for leadership positions) Building interpersonal skills (effective questioning, active listening, reflecting and communication) Build collaborative problem solving skills Identify areas for your own development Learning about other organisations and their cultures Networking with peers Helping others and seeing others growth Greater self awareness Gain a broader perspective This is what our mentors had to say about our trial program: “I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, thought it would take much more time than it did! It was easy to fit it into my life (after we scheduled the meetings), thought there would be more pressure. My mentee was very responsible so it made my part in things really interesting”. “I was blown away by the degree of commitment and enthusiasm of my mentee. She was inspiring!”

Our 2007 mentees identified the following benefits for the mentee:

Develop technical and professional skills, knowledge and understanding Develop self-esteem, self-confidence, self-reliance, questioning assumptions Gain better insight into work situations such as: organisational politics and influencing in organisations Greater understanding of career options and paths Gaining valuable feedback and different perspectives Gaining a support system and a trusted advisor Having and independent sounding board was invaluable   Kate Fleming one of our 2007 mentees stated: The value I gained was “having an avenue for finding a mentor; Having someone outside my company as a mentor; Getting to know other mentees; Understanding the power of the mentor/mentee relationships; Having business advice in a formal way ; Helped me achieve my goal of gaining a promotion. Initially I did not have much industry knowledge. The mentoring relationship was a safe relationship in which to ask questions, explore ideas and gain information. The Self Development day was mind blowing and I have used the materials with my new team. It’s given me a way to look beyond my current role and view to a career path. It has given me something to engage my own management about my career path within my organization. And, I gained a great deal of confidence along the way.”

What are the types of things that a mentor could help with?

If you are new to a role or recently promoted, or you are having a skills challenge, a mentor can help you gain your confidence and quicken your learning curve. A mentor can help you by being a confidential, impartial sounding board. Mentors can role model and role play new skills and behaviours to assist your learning. A mentor can also help you to consider where you are going with your career and potential. A Mentor will help you to realistically assess your strengths and weaknesses, help you identify possible opportunities and alternative pathways. Your mentor may also introduce you to people in their network. Some of the typical things a mentor can assist with are: Managing conflict Understanding a career path for you Developing technical competencies Managing projects Managing time Balancing work/life priorities Effective Communication Strategic skills Business Writing Understanding Marketing Changing careers Giving presentations Motivating people Managing People Team building Negotiating Developing influencing skills Business planning Understanding Sales Managing clients/customers You are never too old or experienced to learn something new and develop new relationships!

What is expected from the parties in mentoring?

From Mentors

Must meet the minimum eligibility requirement (minimum 5 years ICT experience or 5 years experience within a given career path) Submit a completed Mentor Application Form by 15 April 2008 (Registrations now closed) Be committed to assisting another FITT member achieve their goals Be able and prepared to share your knowledge and experience with your mentee Commit to a minimum of a six month mentoring relationship (via mentoring contract), including a monthly one on one meeting Be prepared to pay $45 for administration costs of the mentor program (includes mentor training) You MUST commit to attend four workshops (these are compulsory) Program Launch, Meet your Mentee, Mentoring Relationship Workshop Self Development Workshop Mid program review Program review, wrap up and celebration

From Mentees:

Commit to a minimum of a six month mentoring relationship (via mentoring contract), including monthly one on one meetings and undertake agreed actions Must be prepared to travel to meet Mentor for mentoring sessions Take ownership of arranging meetings, time and location, ensuring your mentors expectations are met Be prepared and open to receiving insight and feedback about yourself Submit the Mentee Application Form by 15 April 2008 (Registrations now closed) If you are accepted into the program, the cost will be $175 plus you will be required to attend the Self Development Workshop ($125). This is exceptional value as most programs cost approximately $590.00. You MUST commit to attend (these are compulsory): Program Launch, Meet your Mentor, Mentoring Relationship Workshop Self Development Workshop Mid program review (Program review, wrap up and celebration

So how do I get involved?

If you would like to hear more about the program, we are facilitating a WEBINAR on 19 March at 5pm. Complete the relevant application form by 15 April and return with an up-to-date copy of your Resume. If you are applying to be a MENTOR, simply complete this form and email to mentorprogramfitt.org.au If you are applying to be a MENTEE, simply complete this form and email to mentorprogramfitt.org.au You will be contacted by an administrator for an application review interview. This will take approximately 20-30 minutes and will be done over the phone. If you are invited into the program you will be required to make payment by 1 May 2008 to be confirmed!

WEBINAR on 19 March at 5pm – details

Topic: FITT Mentor Program Information Session Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Time: 5:00 pm, Australia Eastern Daylight Time (GMT +11:00, Sydney ) Meeting Number: 865 250 754 Meeting Password: FITT

To join the meeting In order to join the phone conference please call 9779 1200 and enter the passcode 367 182. If you also want to view online, follow these steps: Go to https://premconf-apac.webex.com/premconf-apac/j.php?ED=97582552&UID=1001627327 if you want to view via the web (this will take about 10 minutes to load) Enter your name and email address. Enter the meeting password: FITT Click "Join".

Our sincere thanks to Premiere Global Services for powering this Webinar! For assistance: Go to https://premconf-apac.webex.com/premconf-apac/mc Click "Assistance". Click "Support". To add this meeting to your calendar program (for example Microsoft Outlook), click this link: https://premconf-apac.webex.com/premconf-apac/j.php?ED=97582552&UID=1001627327&ICS=MI&LD=1&RD=2&ST=1&SHA2=DhFQzK/YtVugPsQxgp7KC-cQ7mCMKwq4R/tehnNbxbA= The host requests that you check for compatibility of rich media players for Universal Communications Format (UCF) before you join the session. UCF allows you to view multimedia during the session. To check now, click the following link: https://premconf-apac.webex.com/premconf-apac/systemdiagnosis.php IMPORTANT NOTICE: This WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, do not join the session.

We are continually collecting articles, useful links and answering ongoing queries about mentoring from the ICT community. For general mentoring information, contact mentor fitt.org.au.

Here are some links to other mentoring programs in Australia.

The NSW Government Women in Business Mentor Program
This is a six-month agenda that helps women business owners (mentorees) grow their business by linking them with experienced business people (mentors).  Using a combination of mentoring, practical business workshops and networking events, the Program lends a hand to women to improve their business skills and successfully manage business growth.
www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/

Women In Technology (WIT)
The aim of the WIT Mentoring program is to facilitate the personal and professional growth of the members through the formation of successful coaching and mentoring relationships. The program caters to members at all stages of their career.  Mentors and Mentees are supported with a diverse range of resource materials including role definitions, suggested activities, tips on building relationships and ways to measure success.  WIT also hosts periodic workshops to allow face to face discussion of these issues.
http://www.wit.org.au/

Mentoring Australia
The official website of the National Mentoring Association links many mentoring programs community focussed, youth and business. www.dsf.org.au/mentor/profile.htm