GENERAL
- What is Mentor Matching?
Mentor Matching is the latest addition to the line-up of AGS programs supporting members’ professional development needs. The new online program includes a searchable database that facilitates the establishment of mentoring relationships based on individualized needs and preferences. The user-driven online tool allows registered Mentees to search among available mentors using specified criteria to find individuals whose experience and expertise match areas in which they wish to be mentored.
- Is there a fee associated with using Mentor Matching?
Mentor Matching is a free benefit of membership and is available only to AGS & ADGAP members.
- How are Mentors and Mentees matched?
Members must first enroll as a Mentor, Mentee or both. During the enrollment process, members will select their preferences for possible mentor-mentee relationships and interaction, as well as interested topics/fields.
A registered Mentee will visit the Mentor Directory page and fill in their search criteria to search for possible Mentors. The Mentee can click the names of the potential Mentors that they are interested in learning more about to view their profiles. Once the Mentee has decided on a Mentor, they will click on the Mentor badge (seen below the registered Mentor's profile picture) to request that person as their Mentor. An e-mail will be sent to the Mentor alerting them that they have been requested to be a Mentor. The Mentor will be able to accept or decline the request.
If the Mentor accepts the request, the Mentee will receive a response from the Mentor and you can begin to discuss the goals for your relationship. It is up to the Mentees and Mentors to establish a schedule and system of communication that works for them.
If the Mentor declines the request, the mentee will be notified via email. Mentees are encouraged to return to the Mentor Directory to search for and request a new Mentor.
FOR MENTORS
- How do I become a Mentor?
If you are an AGS or ADGAP member interested in serving as a Mentor, click here to enroll as a Mentor. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for communication and the mentoring relationship and also to complete your Mentor Profile.
- Who are the Mentees?
Mentees are other AGS and/or ADGAP members who need you to help support their careers.
- Can I have more than one Mentee?
You can limit the number of Mentee requests you are willing to accept on the Mentoring enrollment page. While there is no limit to the number of mentoring relationships you can establish, we recommend that you be judicious in selecting only Mentees who are most suited to learn from your expertise and experience.
- How do I get paired with Mentees?
As a way to encourage Mentees to research Mentors and grow accustomed to networking, Mentees are required to search the mentor database and choose a potential mentor from the directory. The Mentee is required to make initial contact with the Mentor.
It is up to the Mentor whether or not to accept the relationship.
You will receive an e-mail from the Mentee requesting you to be their Mentor. There will be a link to the mentee profile, where you can find out more about your prospective mentee and their areas of interest. You will be prompted to accept or reject the request.
- Is it okay to reject a request?
Yes, it is up to the mentor to decide whether to accept or reject a request. We encourage you to at least have an initial conversation to explore whether the relationship would be mutually fulfilling. If a potential Mentee has misinterpreted information in your profile, you may find them to be an inappropriate match. If you want to decline a request, go to the "My Mentorship Dashboard" page and check the “decline” button next to the specific request.
- What happens when I decline a request from a Mentee?
When you select the "decline" button, an email is sent to the Mentee informing them you are unable to fulfill their request and encouraging them to return to the Mentor Directory to make a new request. If you want to provide further reasoning for your decline, you can do so by responding to their message.
- What if I’m going to be on vacation or unavailable for a period of time?
Go to the "Mentor Enrollment" page, click the “Mentor Status” link, then click on the check-box next to “Temporarily Not Participating.” Doing this will indicate that you are not accepting any Mentee requests at the moment, and your mentoring profile will not be included in a Mentee’s search for a Mentor. It is your responsibility to communicate your availability to your existing Mentees.
- How do I end a mentoring relationship?
If the mentoring relationship is complete, go to the "My Mentorship Dashboard" 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. After this discussion, go to the "My Mentorship Dashboard" page and mark the relationship as “completed.”
- What are the expectations for participating Mentors?
We expect that mentors will fulfill your commitment to develop at least one mentoring relationship. We expect you to respond to initial requests from Mentees in a timely manner, and that you communicate with your Mentees as agreed upon by both you and your Mentees.
- How much time will I need to invest as a Mentor?
We recommend that you and your Mentees 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. Keep in mind that mentoring doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of your time. Even brief phone calls or e-mail exchanges with you can make a big difference to your Mentees. If you are both attending the annual meeting, this also offers a convenient venue for getting together with your Mentees over coffee or lunch.
- What benefits do I receive from the organization if I participate as a Mentor in the program?
All Mentors are volunteers. As an active program participant, you will receive a ribbon identifying you as a Mentor on your MyAGSOnline profile page.
FOR MENTEES
- How do I become a Mentee?
If you are an AGS or ADGAP member, click here to enroll as a Mentee. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for communication and various demographics to complete your Mentee profile.
- Who are the Mentors?
Mentors are AGS or ADGAP members who have volunteered their time to support other members.
- Can I have more than one Mentor?
While there is no limit to the number of mentoring relationships you can establish, we recommend that you be judicious in selecting only Mentors who are most suited to your mentoring needs. Please keep in mind that Mentors have limited time to offer and may have other Mentoring relationships.
- How do I find a Mentor?
Once you have enrolled as a Mentee, go to the Mentor Directory page and select the criteria you want to use for your Mentor search. Click on the Mentors' names to view their profiles. Once you have found a good match, click on the Mentor badge (seen below the Mentor's profile image) to send the Mentor an email request.
- 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 MyAGSOnline profile page.
- 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.
- 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 electronically. If you are both attending the annual meeting, this offers a great opportunity to meet in person.
- How long does the mentoring relationship last?
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.
- I requested a mentor, but I haven't heard back from them. What should I do?
If several days have passed after you sent a mentor request and you have not heard back, you may wish to follow up. Use the MyAGSOnline member directory to search for your requested mentor, and use the contact button on their profile page to politely follow up and inquire if they are interested in being your mentor.
FEEDBACK
What if I need to report a problem?
If you have experienced unprofessional language or behavior from a mentor or mentee or you need to report an issue, please contact membership@americangeriatrics.org with your complaint so that the AGS can investigate further and take appropriate action.
I'd like to provide feedback about my mentorship experience.
Please take our Virtual Mentor Program Survey to tell us more about your mentorship experience. If you'd like to offer your feedback as a testimonial for the program or you wish to be contacted for a follow-up, be sure to leave your contact information on the survey.