Mentor Program

Whether you’re just starting out, well into your career, or somewhere in between – you’ll benefit from the Mentor Program.

You can participate locally (in the Philadelphia region) through the STC-PMC Mentor Program or on a national (or even global) level through the STC Mentor Board.

STC-PMC Mentor Program

With the variety of higher education and industry in the Philadelphia region, there is an abundance of local mentoring opportunities. The purpose of this newly launched program is to connect local students and aspiring technical writers with STC-PMC mentors. Towards that end, we have established partnerships with Drexel, West Chester, Villanova, Ursinus, and the University of Delaware. Read more . . .

STC Mentor Board

The STC Mentor Board is a central repository of information that matches-up mentors and mentees, located anywhere in the world, based on the skill sets and interests of both individuals. Read more . . .

Testimonials

Johanne LaVallee’s Mentor Experience

Johanne LaVallee, an STC member from Quebec City, shares her experience as a mentor.

In 2013, I had this very bright intern working for me and I quickly discovered she had a gift for terminology. She had a bachelor in translation and a certificate in technical writing. She took the internship in technical writing with us at Ver-Mac. She was much faster in her tasks than I had predicted.

So I asked her to enrich our internal lexicon for each document she had to open and found words she felt were worth adding. Her new intern eyes were useful that way.

This particular project was what landed her a job as a terminologist. After her internship, she went to work for the National Board of French Language, as a terminologist. When we later spoke on the phone, she said that a practical experience in terminology helped her apply all the theory she had on it.[/showhide]

Jackie Caddle’s Mentee Experience

Jackie Caddle is a long-time friend and contributor to STC-PMC. She shares her experience as a mentee.

After enrolling in the Web Development Certificate program at Montgomery County Community College, I was encouraged to sign up for a mentoring program available through the school. I was able to choose who I wanted to be my mentor and got a chance to chat with them in person before making my decision. We hit it off from the start and have had weekly check-in sessions when our schedules permit. I’ve received invaluable advice on my UX portfolio and resume, as well as general career guidance.

The best part of my mentorship has been shadowing my mentor’s day to day activities, as well as role-playing sessions such as presenting a design solution to a client. There’s only so much you can learn in the classroom, and I’ve learned far more from engaging in these activities since I know that I can apply what I know to real-world situations.

No matter how much experience you have, it’s always good to have a mentor to shoot ideas off of and seek advice from. Both mentors and mentees can learn and grow from exchanging ideas and techniques. If a formal mentorship program isn’t available, you can establish more casual mentorships with several colleagues as opposed to relying on just one.[/showhide]

FAQs

Can I register for both the STC Mentor Board and the STC-PMC Mentor Program?

Yes, this is a great way to be a mentor to both local and remote mentees.

Do I need to register for the STC Mentor Board to participate in the STC-PMC Mentor Program?

No, you do not need to register for the STC Mentor Board to be an STC-PMC mentee or mentor. You just need to complete the STC-PMC Mentee Application or the STC-PMC Mentor Application.

How do I become an STC-PMC mentee?

Complete the STC-PMC Mentee Application, and we will follow-up with you shortly via email. Please be as descriptive as possible in the freeform text fields.

Note: You do not need to be an STC Member to participate in this program.

How do I become an STC-PMC mentor?

Complete the STC-PMC Mentor Application, and we will follow-up with you shortly via email. Please be as descriptive as possible in the freeform text fields.

Do I need to be an STC Member to participate?

Mentees participating in the STC-PMC Mentor Program do not need to be STC Members.
Mentors participating in the STC-PMC Mentor Program must be STC Members.
Mentors and mentees participating in the STC Mentor Board must be STC Members.

Why are there two different Mentor Programs?

The STC-PMC Mentor Program seeks to strengthen our local community by matching students and aspiring technical writers in the Philadelphia region with STC-PMC members. We have established partnerships with several local schools including: Villanova, West Chester, Drexel, Ursinus, and the University of Delaware

The STC Mentor Board refers to the mentoring program sponsored by the national STC organization. Individuals who want to learn new technical communication skills can request a mentor. The Mentor Board is not focused on a specific region, and mentees and mentors can participate from anywhere in the world.

Can a mentor have more than one mentee?

Yes, mentors often have several mentees. If you have more than one local mentee, consider doing a group activity.

What are some typical mentoring activities?

The STC-PMC Mentoring Program is very flexible, and there are no “required” activities. Therefore, specific activities are usually based on the interests and experiences of both individuals. Some general suggestions are listed below.

Share and discuss academic or professional projects.
Attend a local event or chapter meeting with your mentor.
Watch an STC webinar with your mentor.
Discuss your career goals and resume, and practice interviewing skills.

What is a mentee?

A mentee is the person who is being guided by a mentor (or mentored). A mentee is typically new to the field and wants to learn from a more experienced professional.

What is a mentor?

Did you have someone who helped you when you were very new in your job? Of course you did. Everyone, somewhere in their career, needs the counsel of a more senior professional. This person was your mentor. Your mentor over time helped you mature and grow into your job and career. Your initial questions were replaced by confidence, resourcefulness, and new skills. New career paths are more readily navigated with a mentor acting as a guide and supporter.