Become a Mentee

The Capital Heritage Mentorship Program will connect experienced senior managers in the broader culture sector and the heritage sector, with new graduates wishing to embark on a career in heritage, and emerging professionals who wish to move their career to the next level.

The initiative will invite 8 developing professionals to participate in small groups (2 Mentees and 1 lead Mentor) in a strategic program to help transition and plan for the coming years.  As a Mentee, you will receive valuable feedback, guidance and access to networking opportunities, leading to more confidence and an expanded career network.

This year 6 of our mentees will attend the National Trust Conference in Montreal! The conference is Canada’s largest Heritage learning and networking event and a brilliant opportunity to meet the pioneers working in the field!

The focus will be on

• Career development:  creating and setting personal career goals with next steps;
• Networking:  how to effectively create and build on professional connections; and
• Leadership:  developing the required skills and knowledge to become a leader in Ottawa’s heritage sector

The program will kick off with a meet and greet session where you will meet your Mentor and fellow Mentees.  Throughout the 5 months of the program, you will be encouraged to be proactive in your mentoring relationship – sharing experiences and gaining insights into working within the heritage sector.

Groups will be sent a bi-monthly email with a list of opportunities including networking and employment opportunities; events and activities; and articles of interest.  We will reach out regularly to touch base on your progress.

The final wrap-up session will bring people back together to discuss lessons learned and strategies that Mentees should use to work most effectively in the culture and heritage sectors.  A forum engaging future program participants is also planned.

There are two streams within the program: 

• Mentorship 
• Mentorship + Fall Internship

Stream 1:  Mentorship

• You will have the opportunity to work with a Mentor and receive guidance, support and leadership as you develop your career in heritage and/or the broader cultural sector.
• Together, you will create a plan of action and determine how frequently you would like to connect with one another.  In addition, there may be monthly program/larger group meetings and mini workshops that will focus on career development and networking.
• Each Mentee is allocated $100 for eligible program expenses (printing fees, travel to sites, conference or networking event fees, parking at related sites, and materials), which is contingent upon completion of the program.
• Minimum time commitment:  2.5 hours per month

Stream 2:  Mentorship + Fall Internship

• You will have the opportunity to work with a Mentor/Intern host and receive guidance, support and leadership as you develop your career in heritage and/or the broader cultural sector.
• Together, you will create a plan of action and determine how frequently you would like to connect with one another.  In addition, there may be monthly program/larger group meetings and mini workshops that will focus on career development and networking.
• You will have the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience and skills.
• Positions may last up to 2 months, to be determined by the host organization.
• Each intern will receive up to $6930 for their work, which is contingent upon completion of the internship and a satisfactory review from the host organization.
• Minimum time commitment for internship:  17.5 hours per week for the duration of the fall internship, and 2.5 hours per month for program activities.
• More information on the internship options will be provided as projects are confirmed. Please see Mentor information below for internships details.

 

Applicants must:

• Be within the first 10 years of their professional career
• Have completed their education or will graduate from a post-secondary institution*
• Be a CHC Member in good standing (you can apply or renew your membership here)
• Be unemployed or underemployed (internship stream only)
• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the work term (internship stream only)

*Alternatively, if you do not have a degree and are not in the process of pursuing one, Capital Heritage Connexion is open to discussing how you have gained the equivalent skills outside of the formal education environment to be successful in this mentorship program. 

Applicants are ineligible if they:

• Are considered a mid-career or an established professional (10+ years of professional career)
• Have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) during the work assignment (internship stream only)

Note:  Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in a summer or fall work experience program.

August- September:  Application & Selection Process

Mid October: Capital Heritage Mentorship Program Kickoff Meeting. Mentor-Mentee meet & greet.

12-16 November: National Trust Conference

October- February:  Monthly check-ins with progress reports; Scheduled program meetings and mini workshops

Mid March:  Capital Heritage Mentorship Program Forum. The final wrap-up session will bring everyone back together so Mentees and Mentors can share their successes.  The focus will be on findings – lessons learned and strategies for Mentees to get started in the culture and heritage sectors.

To be Announced