Victorian Constructive Mentoring Program

Mentor

noun

1.

an experienced and trusted adviser.

Supported by AWS for the fourth consecutive year, the Victorian Chapter recently launched it’s 2017 Constructive Mentoring Program.

Run annually for the last nine years, the aim is to provide personalised guidance and support through the sharing of business and personal experiences to recent graduates, and those re-entering the profession.

Initially conceived as an offspring from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) mentor program, the Victorian Chapter, along with the support of members, and AWS have helped shape and developed a highly regarded mentoring program.

As Victorian Chapter Executive Director, Alison Clearly emphasised  “….this is a formal program, but don’t discount the conversation you may have with someone on a plane or a train! The importance of open communication and transparency....these conversations can happy anywhere, so be open to them…”

This year approximately 20 mentors have been matched up with 20 mentees.

The Victorian Chapter facilitates four informal group get togethers throughout the year, and a past Constructive Mentoring members Alumni event is planed for later in the year. Outside of the facilitated structure, it is up to the mentee/mentor to arrange how they would like to continue their relationship. It is advised that you set clear expectations early on, about what both of your desired outcomes may be.

It’s encouraging to see the Victorian Chapter playing a critical role in investing in mentoring. By developing and supporting this program, it’s vital to the ongoing health of the profession.

Looking around the room at the esteemed members involved with this program, the value placed on giving back to the profession in a volunteer capacity is also evident. Freely advising about their experience, and expertise within the profession is something that can’t be underestimated in this busy world we all live in.

Kerstin Thompson, Rebecca Naughtin, Monique Woodward, Alfred De Bruyne, to name but a few, all give their time willingly, to make sure their knowledge bank is shared.

Mentoring is a symbiotic relationship; it’s a two way street, make sure you’re ‘present’ when meeting with your mentor….

ask questions

listen to the answers

give feedback

observe

participate

And be open with your shared experiences

Make the most of a mentor / mentee relationship, they can help you take a positive step forward in your career, and can become a life long support network.

For more information on mentoring, Parlour has a guide on The importance of mentors in architecture. Read it here

Written by: Bernadette Wilson (VIC Event Correspondent for AWS)

Bernadette is the Studio Manager, at Cumulus Studio, Melbourne. She has worked within the profession across various practices, design disciplines, creative industries and peak bodies in Melbourne, New York and Dublin.

---