Recognizing the importance of mentorship as part of ongoing professional development, the CIO Council sponsors the IT Mentoring Program, which supports mutually beneficial learning relationships across the IT Community.
Chances are, you’ve heard of the IT Mentoring Program. What you may not know is the program offers different options to provide mentoring that best suits your individual goals, needs, and time constraints.
To help you make an informed decision about which mentoring program is right for you, we’ve created this guide to explore the unique features of both regular mentoring and flash mentoring.
Regular Mentoring
The regular IT Mentoring Program is a structured, six-month cohort that fosters ongoing support, collaboration, and development. Whether you are a motivated mentee seeking valuable guidance or an experienced mentor looking to give back, the IT Mentoring Program is an excellent platform for those who want a committed, longer-term mentoring relationship.
Benefits
- Develop meaningful and lasting relationships across the IT Community
- Build confidence, gain knowledge, and develop new skills with time
- Make ongoing progress toward short- and long-term goals
- Have the opportunity to mentor a Year Up Intern
Time Commitment
Participants are required to meet with their mentor or mentee at least once per month throughout the six- month program. Additionally, participants attend a kickoff meeting, a mid-point check in, and a celebratory wrap up meeting.
How to Apply
The regular IT Mentoring Program runs from February - August every year. The application period is open from late November to mid December (specific dates are announced in November). Applications will be available on the IT Mentoring Program website.
Note: We also run a smaller mentoring cohort from September - January for Year Up Interns only. Mentors interested in mentoring a Year Up intern can apply to either cohort, or both!
Flash Mentoring
Flash mentoring is an ideal solution for those who appreciate the benefits of mentorship, but are unable to commit to regular mentoring as either a mentor or mentee. This unique mentoring opportunity is designed to offer a quick and flexible one-time mentoring session, with the goal of addressing a very specific question or need. For example, if someone is preparing for a presentation and looking for constructive feedback, flash mentoring could be a great option for them to explore. It’s aimed at providing the mentee with timely guidance, advice, and resources that are directly relevant to their query.
Benefits
- Just-in-time advice and problem solving for pressing questions and needs
- Mentees can learn from a variety of individuals with expertise in varying subjects
- Flexible and efficient
- No long-term commitment required
Time Commitment
Flash mentoring sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. There is no ongoing commitment; flash mentoring sessions are designed to be used when needed.
How to Apply
Participate at any time. No application is necessary. Simply review the mentor profiles on the Flash Mentoring page and select the mentor you’d like to meet with. Click the link next to their profile to book a session with them. If you would like to become a flash mentor, contact Brittany Cripe at blcripe@stanford.edu.
Join Us!
Whether you prefer the regular IT Mentoring Program or Flash Mentoring, both mentorship opportunities are aimed at providing you with guidance, support, and opportunities to grow and develop. We welcome all members of the Stanford IT community to join and participate as a mentor, mentee, or both. If you have any questions, contact Program Leads Brittany Cripe (blcripe@stanford.edu) or Dani Aivazian (daivaz@stanford.edu).
