GENERAL
What is Mentor Match?
Mentor Match is an online tool – including a searchable database – that facilitates the establishment of mentoring relationships. It is user-driven, allowing Mentees to search to find Mentors whose experience and expertise match areas in which they wish to be mentored.
Is there a fee associated with using Mentor Matching? No
How are Mentors and Mentees matched?
Members must first enroll as a Mentor, Mentee, or both. During the enrollment process, members will select preferences for various demographics to establish their personal criteria.
Mentees are asked to take ownership of the relationship and initiate the search process.
The Mentee will click the names of the potential Mentors to view their profiles. Once the Mentee has decided on a Mentor an e-mail should be sent to the Mentor asking for a Discovery Call. The Mentors are encouraged to review the Mentees profile and accept or decline the Discovery Call request.
How long does the mentoring relationship last?
IAFP asks that you commit to a 12-month relationship We recommend that you and your Mentor agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship.
FOR MENTORS
Each person has a unique set of skills and experience to share with others. Whether you are a Ph.D. student, a newbie in an industry, or a professional with many years of experience. You have lessons that another person can draw on!
How do I become a Mentor?
If you are an IAFP Member, click here to enroll as a Mentor.
Who are the Mentees?
Mentees are IAFP members of all career stages that can draw upon your unique set of skills and experience to enhance their careers.
Can I have more than one Mentee?
IAFP asks that you select no more than two Mentoring relationships at one time
How will I know if a Mentee has selected me as their Mentor?
You will receive an email from the Mentee requesting you to be their Mentor. You will be prompted to accept or reject the request. We encourage the Mentee to set up a Discovery Call to discuss expectation.
Is it okay to reject a request?
Yes. We encourage you to have an initial conversation to explore whether the relationship would be mutually fulfilling. If you want to decline a request, go to the "My Mentoring Relationships" page and check the “decline” button next to the specific request.
How do I end a mentoring relationship?
If the mentoring relationship is complete, go to the "My Mentoring Relationships" page and mark the relationship as “completed.”
If the mentoring relationship isn't working out, please kindly discuss your decision to end the relationship with your Mentee. Go to the "My Mentoring Relationships" page and mark the relationship as “completed.”
You may contact our office for assistance.
What are the expectations for participating Mentors?
IAFP asks for a 12-month commitment.
We recommend that you and your Mentees agree to meet at least once a month. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship. Keep in mind that mentoring doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of your time. Even brief phone calls or email exchanges with you can make a big difference to your Mentees. The annual meeting also offers a convenient venue for getting together with your Mentees over coffee or lunch.
FOR MENTEES
How do I become a Mentee?
If you are a member, click here to enroll as a Mentee. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for various demographics and also to complete your member profile.
Who are the Mentors?
Mentors are IAFP members who have volunteered their time to support other members' careers.
Can I have more than one Mentor?
No. We strongly recommend limiting to one Mentor per mentorship period.
How do I find a Mentor?
Once you have enrolled as a Mentee, You may go to the "Find a Mentor" page and select the criteria you want to use for your Mentor search.
You can search the listing of ALL MENTORS by scrolling down to NAME SEARCH, type % into the FIRST NAME and LAST NAME boxes, click on FIND MENTOR . Click on the Mentors' names to view their profiles. Once you have found a good match, email the Mentor to schedule a Discovery Call. Once you have identified a Mentor return to their PROFILE and click on the Mentor Request Button to officially start the relationship.
What should I do if I don’t hear from the Mentor I requested?
If you don’t hear from the Mentor within one or two weeks, feel free to contact them using the contact information found on their profile page. You may also contact Dina Siedenburg at dsiedenurg@foodprotection.org.
What if the Mentor isn’t the right “fit” for my needs?
Sometimes, regardless of the information provided, Mentors and Mentees don’t always "fit." If this happens, we suggest that you discuss your decision honestly and kindly with your Mentor; thank them for their time then start a new Mentor search. You may also reach out to Dina Siedenburg at dsiedenburg@foodprotection.org.
Where can I meet with my Mentor?
It is up to you and your Mentor to decide how, when, and where you want to pursue your mentoring relationship. It is likely that most of your communication will occur by phone or virtually. The annual meeting offers a great opportunity to meet in person.
Getting Started Resources
IAFP Connect has created Communities for Mentors and Mentees where they can share questions, discussion, and resources. You will automatically be included in the Community when you enroll in Mentor Match.