Latin@/x Network Mentoring Program: Growing Our Own

“Map to the Future” – In order better serve the diverse needs of our membership the Latin@/x Network has developed a new professional development plan for graduate students and new professional. After careful consideration and much discussion, we have designed a “tool box” template in the hope of creating a more substantive experience for both mentees and mentors. The objective of this initiative was to focus on the development of the mentee with concrete action steps with the added emphasis on accountability on both ends of the relationship. This plan has a three-fold approach:

  1. Self-Assessment (take inventory)

  2. Research (next steps and what they look like)

  3. Development of a Plan “Portfolio” (resume building)

We believe it’s never too early to think about your future. In order to achieve your desired professional goals you must craft a plan and adopt a vision that will guide you through this process. To aid you in this endeavor, the Latin@/x Network has developed the “Map”. As you start to think about your next position, the type of institution you want to work at and the geographic location, it is imperative that you start to research important factors that will figure into your plan of action. While we have provided you with a “template” it is incumbent upon you and your mentor to “fill in the blanks” as you best see fit. The bottom line is to explore different areas and share your findings. This will help you to establish a dialogue and come up with some recommendations on how to achieve your desired outcomes and look at both short and long term timelines. Even if you do not settle on defining a specific goal(s), this exercise will, at a minimum, help you and your mentor to engage in a friendship and establish a creative dialog on areas of interest.

We look forward to your feedback to help better shape this new initiative.

We will make every effort to try and match up prospective mentees with a mentor during the conference in Columbus. A special session will be scheduled based on the applications received from the prospective mentees and mentors.

Mentoring Initiative (PDF: 164KB)

Mentoring Contract (PDF: 140KB)