TROY – Technology networking group ConnecTech is now accepting applicants to its 2009 Mentor and Coaching Program in partnership with the Midwest Technology Leaders.

The ten-month program pairs ConnecTech members with a CIO mentor in a one-on-one relationship. The 2008 program featured CIOs from local companies such as MGM Grand in Detroit, Beaumont Health Systems, Oakland County, Wayne State University, GKN Systems, Continental, and Oakland Community College. Many mentors who participated in the 2008 program are expected to return in 2009.

?It is a good way to understand other people?s perspectives, and also an easy way to give back to the community,? said Ruthanne Largent, CIO of MGM Grand in Detroit. ?None of the time I spent on this program was a waste of time.?

This year?s mentors have commented on an increased awareness of their own staff?s development as well as being satisfied with the opportunity to give back to the community. Mentee participants have reported being promoted, returning to school, receiving scholarships and increasing their network as a few of the benefits they?ve received from being part of the program.

?In a technological world, soft skills are necessary to elevate yourself to the management level,? said Taylor Bohannon, a ConnecTech mentee with Polk Automotive. ?This experience provides you with mentoring and coaching you cannot find anywhere else. This program is a truly valuable resource for anyone who wants to climb the corporate ladder.?

Candidates who are accepted into the program receive kickoff training and supplemental support from Executive Coach Barry Demp of Demp Coaching in Troy.

?From the beginning, we work with both groups to equip them with powerful tools and skills they can use to get the most out of the program,? says Demp. ?Our intention is to empower each individual – mentor and mentee – to pursue excellence in their professional and personal life.?

Mentee applicants must be ConnecTech members. Materials must be received by no later than Monday, December 15, 2008. First-round application materials include a resume, cover letter and two letters of recommendation; second-round materials include self-evaluation tools such as the Personal Excellence Assessment. There is a $50 non-refundable program application fee for mentees. Mentors must be a CIO or Director of IT at a company in Michigan, and can apply through the Midwest Technology Leaders organization.

For more information, click on ConnecTech.Org

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