HRPA Durham Chapter Launches a Mentorship Program!
In response to a general membership survey, completed by the Chapter in late 2006, it was determined that a mentoring program was something desired not only by new entrants to the human resources field, but also seen favourably by more experienced HR professionals in the Durham Region.
Mentorship is not a new concept, dating back to Greek mythology, but is one that has gained notoriety within business circles and in particular in the theories and practices of contemporary HR professionals. The Durham Chapter program sees the purpose of the program as providing support to those new to the human resources profession (protégé) with an opportunity to work with a more experienced practitioner (mentor).
A well-designed mentoring relationship benefits not only the protégé, but also the mentor. Careful oversight by a sponsoring body such as the HRPAD membership committee on behalf of the Chapter board assures that such relationships are based on: clear, mutually-agreed-to expectations; a sense of commitment to task by both parties; devotion of regular amounts of time throughout the year for discussion and exploration of mutually-defined goals; and a broadening of personal and professional perspectives in the emerging field of human resources management.
This program is initially designed as a “pilot” program for a one year period. A limited number of mentoring partnerships will be struck for a 10 month period. As a result, we may not be able to select all applicants to the program for this pilot phase. In order to be considered for this program, you must be a Durham Chapter member, must be working in Human Resources and not be a full time student.
Ongoing monitoring of this program will be asked of from both mentors and protégés selected by the Chapter’s membership committee. Through ongoing feedback from these individuals along with further reflection by the Chapter board, a decision on the future of the program will be made in 2010. It is hoped that this seed of opportunity will grow into one of the new programming areas in the Durham Chapter as a reflection of the HR expertise and commitment within our rapidly growing membership base.
The deadline for applications for this project is Friday, October 23, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Download the application form now!