iDMentorship365 mentors serve as a valuable resource to emerging ID leaders. As a mentor, you are expected to share your knowledge and professional experiences with your mentees, answer their questions about the field and find ways to offer personalized learning experiences.
Responsibilities
- Provide Support: Mentors are expected to offer their mentees around one hour of support and interaction per month. This interaction can take place through email, instant messaging, virtual meetings, or face-to-face communication when appropriate.
- Tailor Support: Work with your mentee to determine the type of support they need, whether it’s specific feedback (e.g., job hunting, career advice, technical information) or more general guidance such as personal encouragement.
- Respect Confidentiality: Keep all shared information from your mentee confidential unless discussed and agreed upon in the mentoring relationship.
- Initiate Contact: Take the initiative in the relationship. Set aside time for the mentoring process and honor all scheduled appointments.
- Timely Communication: Respond to your mentee's emails within two days of receipt.
- Scheduled Meetings: Plan meetings with specific topics in mind and invite your mentee to relevant meetings or activities when appropriate. Be flexible with meeting times and venues.
- Support Independence: Encourage creativity and independence in your mentee, fostering their self-confidence.
- Provide Feedback: Offer timely and honest feedback. Ensure that there is a space for your mentee to express concerns and ask questions.
- Listening: Above all, actively listen to your mentee and provide a supportive space for their growth.
Qualifications for Participation
- Mentor applicants must be fellows or post ID fellowship to participate as a mentor.
- Our Mentorship Program mentors are valuable resources to emerging ID leaders. As a mentor, you are expected to share your knowledge and professional experiences with your mentees, try to answer questions they may have about the field and look for ways to offer personalized learning experiences for your mentee.
Estimated Time Commitment
Mentors are asked to commit to one year of support, with at least four virtual meetings throughout the year. If you need to end the mentorship early, please provide one month's notice to allow time for a replacement mentor to be found.
Benefits of Serving
- Inspire the next generation of Infectious Disease (ID) professionals.
- Advance your leadership skills through the guidance and support you offer mentees.
- Gain satisfaction from watching your mentee's growth and development.
- Network with other experienced professionals in the ID field.
- Add to your CV: Mentoring in this program can be counted as volunteer experience, helping you strengthen your resume while contributing to the field.
- Personal Growth: Mentoring sharpens your skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Method of Appointment
Mentors can create their profiles and communicate with their mentees through Chronus, IDSA’s mentorship platform.
Term of Service
Accountability
If you're concerned about your mentorship or if the relationship isn’t progressing smoothly, inform the program manager, Ayana Jones, at idmentorship365@idsafoundation.org as soon as possible. The program team will provide support and work toward a positive resolution.