Peer Mentor Program
Some of the most successful communications professionals credit mentors for helping to guide their path. Identifying peer mentors who can guide you for a limited period of time or for the longer haul can be the smartest way to advance professionally throughout your career.
One of WCA’s valuable members-only benefits is its peer mentor program. The program pairs you with other WCA members who have volunteered to share their professional and personal experiences, knowledge, and expertise to support and guide you no matter where you are on your professional journey. They are available to meet confidentially with you to listen and offer feedback.
Mentees benefit from personalized guidance, whether seeking specific career or business development guidance, exploring a career transition, discussing how to ask for a raise or freshening up negotiating skills, or, perhaps, putting to rest those imposter syndrome doubts.
Our mentors also serve our student members by giving them a chance to tap into the advice, job search and networking guidance of a seasoned professional.
For those who volunteer to serve as WCA Peer Mentors, this is a great way to develop leadership skills, build your network, while sharing your knowledge and expertise, which comes with the personal reward of potentially shaping someone’s path to success.
Have career questions or need deeper insights? See our Ask a Mentor blog.
If you’d like a mentor or to become a mentor, see the boxes below.
![WCA Peer Mentor Gathering_10.9.23 (1) Peer Mentors Group WCA Austin](https://wcaustin.org/wp-content/uploads/WCA-Peer-Mentor-Gathering_10.9.23-1.jpg)
Work with a Mentor
Whether you’re a student or already working, a stay-at-home parent choosing to go back to work in communications or wanting to change direction, students and professional members can be a mentee (i.e. request a peer mentor). Learn more with our Demystifying Mentorship for Mentees handout.
Ready for a mentor?
Meet the Mentors
To request a mentor, fill out this form.
(You must login as a member to access this form.)
Questions?– Email mentors@wcaustin.org.
Be a Mentor
No matter your years of experience, role in communications, or familiarity with other fields, you can be a mentor. Your life experiences, good and bad, can support your fellow WCA members. Mentoring can take place anywhere – whether it’s face-to-face over coffee, lunch or happy hour; video chat; or via email or phone. Professional members can mentor students or other professional members. Learn more with our Demystifying Mentorship for Mentors handout.
Ready to become a WCA Peer Mentor?
Fill out this form.
Program Guidelines
What WCA’s Peer Mentors can do:
- Speed mentoring.
- Short term mentoring: Guidance on a specific topic requiring limited involvement – for instance, what subjects should a student take for a career in communications; where to intern; or assistance through a job application and interview process.
- Longer term mentoring: students looking for on-going career guidance; professionals looking to brainstorm and implement career moves, discuss challenges at work, or find a sounding board for creative development.
- Help mentees answer a series of questions to gain clarity on their talents, strengths, and career interests. This can be part of a short or long term mentoring arrangement.
- Provide honest feedback about cover letters, portfolios, and other professional materials. This can be part of a short or long term mentoring arrangement.
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What WCA Peer Mentors cannot do:
- Provide professional-grade career coaching sessions. WCA has many qualified members who can provide that service.
- Provide specific logistical assistance in starting or revamping a business venture.
- Provide any kind of psychological input or feedback beyond a friendly ear and helpful suggestions based on their own professional experiences.
Meet the more than 20 mentors who have generously volunteered their time to assist you. To request a mentor, simply log into your WCA member account and complete the form below. You’ll be matched with a mentor we consider will fit your needs. Feedback is welcome! If you have comments or need support with your mentor relationship, please contact mentors@wcaustin.org.
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