Interested in Helping Others?

Some people think mentors are only professionals with more than 20 years of experience or CEO’s or retired workers. While that describes some mentors, many are actually professionals at all levels of experience and titles. They’re career guides, sounding boards, cheerleaders, teachers, lifesavers, and everyday industry professionals. Does that sound like you? If so, SWANA is looking for members who have expertise and professional development experiences to share with their fellow members or mentees through the MentorMatch Program. The program makes it easy for you to enroll as a mentor to be found by mentees and receive guidance from SWANA for up to 6-months throughout your mentorship.

Here are the most common questions and answers about being a SWANA mentor:

How do I know if I’m qualified to be a mentor?

Anyone with professional work experience can share lessons learned and experiences they had during their time in the industry. Since SWANA provides guidance and assistance to help you along the way, no formal mentor experience or educational background is required. Basic requirements include a commitment to focused conversations with your mentee for at least one hour each month where you would provide insight, knowledge, and understanding in an educational manner to benefit the mentee’s professional growth.

I’ve never done this before, how will I know how to guide them?

The mentees are tasked with leading the relationship. All you have to do is share your experiences and expertise in common growth areas such as:

• Leading/Managing/Motivating
• Networking/Relationship-building
• Time/Organization
• Conflict Resolution
• Technical Skills
• Communication

SWANA will also check in to provide you and your mentee with tools and guidance along the way. Mentors are also added to the MentorMatch Community on MySWANA where you can check-in with fellow mentors for advice or read up on articles posted in the Blog section.

How does being a mentor benefit me?

• Share your knowledge and expertise with others
• Pay it forward
• Enhance your leadership skills
• Build lasting business and personal relationships with colleagues

When and how do I enroll?

Mentor Enrollment is always open at www.swana.org/mentormatch. With the Spring session opening to mentees on February 1, now is a great time to connect with students going back to school, young professionals starting a new career, and fellow colleagues making a fresh start. Enroll by February 1 for mentees to find you in the mentor directory during the Spring Session (see full schedule below).

Spring Session (March – August)

Fall Session (October – March)