Mentorship. It is a familiar word, but what does it mean? When you think of a mentor, who comes to mind? A teacher? A coach? Perhaps a benevolent boss or a trusted colleague?

A mentor is “a trusted counselor or guide,” and mentorship is “the influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor.” When we think of mentorship and its benefits, most think of the Three C’s: Counsel, Candor, and Confidence. Mentorship encourages participants to improve both personally and professionally. It fosters a collaborative environment where a free exchange of viewpoints and ideas can help build diversity of thought.

Mentorship programs, like AAPPR’s Mentor Match, make it easier for mentors and mentees to find each other and support a learning culture. Mentors feel satisfaction in sharing their wisdom and experiences with others and experience the opportunity to reflect on their goals and practices. In addition, mentees gain an insider perspective on navigating their chosen careers and access to resources.

AAPPR is relaunching the Mentor Match program in a cohort format this summer. Unlike the previous user-driven platform, the cohort format will offer participants a more structured program to meet, connect, and grow. In addition, the cohorts are planned to target members in specific career phases, such as those who are newer to the provider recruitment profession or looking to develop specific skills, such as those who are hoping to advance to a leadership role.

The cohorts will start with a kickoff call where mentors and mentees can meet one another and other members participating in the cohort. Mentor Match pairs will meet one on one up to six times over eight weeks and can earn up to six continuing education credits for participating in the program.

Mentors and mentees can apply to participate in a cohort by completing a brief application. After completing the application, mentees will be matched with a mentor who has the skills and experience to help them achieve their goals. If you are interested in applying for an upcoming 2023 cohort, just follow the links below.

Become a Mentor
Become a Mentee

Why Participate?

Mentorship offers numerous benefits for both mentors and mentees. Mentees can tap into the expertise, experience, and knowledge of their mentors, while mentors can guide mentees in developing new skills, expanding their knowledge, and gaining insights into specific areas of interest, helping mentees accelerate their learning and professional development.

Mentors frequently provide guidance and support to mentees, helping them navigate challenges, make important decisions, and set meaningful goals by sharing their own experiences, offering different perspectives, and providing valuable advice, which can enhance the mentees’ personal and professional growth. Having a mentor who believes in their abilities and offers constructive feedback can boost a mentees’ confidence and empower them to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and achieve their goals.

A key benefit of AAPPR membership is the incredible network of colleague’s members have access to, but building that network can sometimes feel overwhelming. Working with a mentor can help newer members expand their professional network and gain access to new opportunities. In addition, experienced members who serve as mentors in the program often have extensive networks and can introduce mentees to their professional contacts and help them to build relationships within the industry.
Mentors can also help mentees identify resources for professional growth and offer insights into the provider recruitment industry.

The benefits of participating in a mentorship program can positively impact mentees’ personal and professional lives well into the future. Mentorship often leads to long-term relationships built on mutual trust and respect. AAPPR mentors have become lifelong advisors and advocates for their mentees, even after the formal mentoring relationship ends. These relationships can provide ongoing support, guidance, and opportunities throughout the careers of both the mentor and mentee.

Don’t Wait, Participate!

AAPPR research has shown that the provider recruitment industry has grown significantly in the last two years. The first cohort will focus on mentees with a year or less of experience to help those recruitment professionals who are newer to the provider recruitment industry and pair them with mentors who have three years of experience or more. The cohort will kick off with a welcome call for all participants on July 17, 2023! Applications are open for both mentors and mentees until July 3. Here are some key dates for the first cohort:

• Applications Open: June 19, 2023
• Applications Close: July 3, 2023
• Matches Notified: July 10, 2023
• Kickoff Call: July 17, 2023
• Cohort Ends: September 11, 2023

Become a Mentor
Become a Mentee

The second cohort will focus on our members who have been working in the provider recruitment industry but are hoping to grow in the profession. If you have a goal of advancing into a management or leadership role in 2024, this is the cohort for you! Applications will open on September 18, and the cohort will kick off on October 16! Mark your calendars with the key dates for the second cohort:

• Applications Open: September 18, 2023
• Applications Close: October 2, 2023
• Matches Notified: October 9, 2023
• Kickoff Call: October 16, 2023
• Cohort Ends: December 11, 2023