TROY – The deadline is fast approaching for members of ConnecTech, the successor organization to the GLIMA Network, to join a members-only technology mentoring program to partner with some of the state’s top chief information officers.
January 31 is the deadline for submitting application materials. Eligible mentees include current ConnecTech members in information technology; the $50 application fee and first round of applicant materials (resume, two letters of recommendations and cover letter) are being accepted immediately. Applicants will be notified by February 28 of their status, and will be invited to a March mentee kick-off meeting. The mentor/mentee pair will be introduced after the meeting and will choose a date for their first session.
The program was created to address the need for mentorship in the information technology field. By pairing seasoned CIOs with their manager or mid-level manager counterparts across various disciplines, program directors hope to increase the effectiveness of technology professionals in Michigan. ?It?s a unique program that addresses the disparity between what technology professionals today are expected to know, and what their day-to-day experience is,? says Danielle DeLonge, ConnecTech Manager. ?We?re very excited to be working with MTL and Demp Coaching on this one-of-a-kind program; it?s an excellent way to unite two very specific communities.?
All mentors are expected to meet with their student once per quarter for a mentoring session, in addition to monthly ?touch points? in between. The quarterly sessions can be on the phone, in person or via webinar, and are expected to last at least one hour. Mentees can also contact their mentor once per month to keep the mentor updated on his/her progress since the last session.
Phil Bertolini, CIO of Oakland County and Director of ConnecTech, says ?Oakand County and ConnecTech are committed to developing and retaining IT talent; we are focused on increasing our economic diversity across the state of Michigan. Careers in technology are an essential component of this economic plan, and I gladly support initiatives such as this one which connects up and coming technology professionals with proven industry leaders.?
Mentors will be trained by Business and Executive Coach Barry Demp, of Demp Coaching. He is a Master Certified Coach and President of the Michigan chapter of the International Coach Federation. Demp?s plan for educating mentors includes quarterly training sessions, beginning with a February kick-off meeting, where participants will learn how to apply coaching skills to mentoring sessions.
?Mentoring is generally sharing your wisdom and sharing your experience with others that may not have that background, so we definitely want to tap into [mentors?] deep well of experience and knowledge,? says Demp. ?In addition, we?d like them to be able to share some perspective regarding career development and career advancement, because many of these mentees are interested in the growth, development and advancement of their careers.?
If you are interested in participating as either a mentor or mentoree, click on ConnecTech.Com
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