Experience Speaks
In January 2008, John and Karen
participated in the chapter’s inaugural mentoring program. They were paired at
the end of an orientation workshop. When approached to be interviewed, they
both enthusiastically agreed to share their experience for the benefit of
future participants.
“For anyone motivated to be a mentor or mentee, there is no
comparable program where you gain the level of interaction and exchange of
experience—all for eight hours of your own time each month.”
John Mah (Mentor,
Winter 2008)
“It is like private tutoring: you get honest advice,
unbiased perspectives, and seasoned guidance founded upon years of experience.
Who can pass that up?”
Karen June
Kuipers (Mentee, Winter 2008)
John Mah: A Mentor’s
Perspective
Having had three mentors in my career, I have been looking
for opportunities to give back to the profession. So I eagerly anticipated the launch of this
mentorship program. In the beginning, I harboured anxiety over who my mentee
would be. But once the pairing was done, the initial uncertainty was overcome
by the excitement of shaping a new program and working with a motivated mentee.
My personal satisfaction lay in watching someone change and grow based upon
what I had to offer.
By no means was the mentee the only one who benefited. I too
experienced personal growth. As a result of external affirmation, I was able to
confirm my desire and competence to be a mentor. I recognized my ability to
adapt to different learning styles instead of imposing my own teaching method.
From an effectiveness standpoint, I provided practical tips and suggestions to
try out in the workplace. The work I put into being a mentor was rewarded by
significant, tangible, learning experiences that would be hard to gain
otherwise.
John Mah has been a
project manager for 12 years and PMP certified since 2000. He loves working
with a vibrant team to deliver real results and have fun along the way. John is
currently an independent consultant working in the healthcare industry.
Karen June Kuipers: A
Mentee’s Perspective
As this was the first time the mentoring program was run, I
was excited, but not sure what to expect. My goals were to get guidance with PM
skills and direction for career development. From John, I learnt the “must
haves” to be competent at senior level project work. I was able to discuss
specific project issues and obtain practical tips.
My mentor helped me identify strengths and focus on areas
that required further development. We laid out short and long term plans for me
to gain experience and education to meet my career objectives. I also acquired
soft skills to better run project meetings and improve communication
strategies. This experience has helped me fully embrace my skills and
articulate how much value I bring to any project and organization. It has
boosted my confidence and inspired me to greater dedication to the PM
profession.
If you are thinking of signing up as a mentee, this is the
best combination of education and experience you can get. It is like private
tutoring: you get honest advice, unbiased perspective, and seasoned guidance
founded upon years of experience—all for your benefit. Who can pass that up?
Karen June Kuipers
initially used planning, consultation, and management skills as a athlete
trainer before moving into project management in the high-tech industry. She
obtained her PMP in 2005 and is currently working as a Project Manager in the
professional services division of a software company.