Mentor Protégé Program

Attendees network at the event

Graduation speakers Marla Ozarowski and Kathy Albarado

Some of the mentors from this session are shown above

It's All About You - Sign Up for the Mentor-Protégé Program
 
• Are you considering a career change or re-entering the workforce? 
• Are you looking to build your leadership skills or advance in your career? 
• Would you like guidance and ideas on how to start or build your own business?
• Would you like to strengthen your network to help your sales prospects or broaden your opportunities?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Women in Technology’s (WIT) Mentor-Protégé Program is for you.  To apply to be a protégé in the next Mentor-Protégé program, which starts in June 2010, please complete an application.

• Are you a senior professional woman with 15+ years of experience? 
• Do you own your own business or have you moved up through the corporate management ranks?
• Would you like to share some of what you know to help other women learn and grow professionally?  

If so, please consider being a mentor in the Women in Technology’s (WIT) Mentor-Protégé Program.  To apply to be a mentor in the next Mentor-Protégé program, which starts in June 2010, please complete an application.

The WIT Mentor-Protégé Program's mission is to encourage dynamic personal and career growth for women in technology through a series of guided quality discussions in a community with other professional women.  The program provides an excellent networking opportunity for career path (protégé) and senior (mentor) women. Through five, 2 ½ hour sessions over five months, the WIT Mentor-Protégé program provides a platform for success via a light meal, networking, a short talk on a topic of interest, and an hour of one-on-one mentoring for protégés with an experienced mentor.  Protégés are matched with 4 different mentors during each 5-month program.  Protégés & new Mentors complete applications to participate in the program 2 to 3 months prior to the program start date.  The Program framework is "Women Mentoring Women."  

 Article on Mentor-Protege relationship challenges.

Each year WIT holds two Mentoring Programs.   Program 25 is underway, but we are no longer accepting applications from protégés for that session.  Program 26 (starting in January 2011) will soon open through this web site. Women interested in participating as a Protégé or Mentor can apply via the web. Thirty Protégés are accepted into each program. While most of our Mentors continue to work with us, we encourage new Mentors to apply.  In this way we have a large group of talent available for Mentor-Protégé matching. To ensure that protégés get the most out of the Mentoring Program, we request  that proteges commit to all 5 sessions. Technology firms in Northern Virginia host the meetings.

Protégé Requirements

• Must be a WIT member
• Must already have experience as a professional in the workplace (not for new college graduates)
• Must complete an application and be accepted into the program as described below 
• Protégés should plan to attend all 5 sessions
• Fee of $200 to cover all 5 sessions

Mentor Requirements

• Must be a WIT member
• Must have significant experience in the workplace or significant experience owning a running a business
• Must have varied leadership experience
• Must possess the following skills: listening, advocacy, teaching, and sharing
• Must be able to expose others to opportunities and increase visibility
• Must complete an application and be accepted into the program as described below
• New Mentors should plan to attend all 5 sessions

Program Format

WIT will accept New Mentors and 30 Protégé into each Mentor-Protégé Program

Orientation (Mandatory for Protégés and New Mentors).
Conducted by professional facilitator
Established "Rules of Engagement" and session ground-rules 
 
Mentoring (Mandatory for Protégés and New Mentors)
5 sessions between: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Session Orientation for Program 25 – June 8, 2010 Orientation for Protégés and new Mentors

Mentoring sessions for Program 25 (Second Tuesday of the month-from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.)
Session 1 – July 13, 2010
Session 2 – September 14, 2010
Session 3 – October 12, 2010
Session 4 – November 9, 2010
Networking (30 minutes)
Speaker on topic of interest (30 minutes)
Protégé matched one-on-one with Mentor (60 minutes)
Different Mentor for each session
 
How to Register
 
Click here to apply. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so send your application in early to ensure your spot in our next session.  

Mentors - There is no cost to become a mentor, however it is required that all mentors be dues paid WIT members.

Protégés - After being accepted into the program, the $200 program fee must be paid prior to the first session. Information about how to make this payment will be provided with your acceptance notice.  This program fee is in addition to the annual WIT membership fee, which must also be current at the time of the first session.
 
Our staff can answer any questions: staff@womenintechnology.org, 703-683-4003.  
Acceptance notifications will be sent prior to the beginning of the next Program.
Protégé fees are due before the Orientation session of the Program.

Mentorship Committee Questions? Contact Co-Chairs:
 
Carol Hayes, CarolHayes@navyfederal.org
Kelly Moore, kmoore@att.net