11 May 2020 at 06:00PM
Mentor Program Launching NOW!
Mentor Program Launching NOW!
Now that many of us in the Los Angeles area are working remotely, we thought it would be a good time to launch our virtual Mentor Program (before we all go stir crazy at home!)
As a result of previous inquiries, we are changing the program this year and structuring it into 3 sections. We need Chapter members that can fulfill any of these three roles and are willing to step up and help:
- For people who are interested in finding out more about the project management profession
- we need project managers who would be willing to talk one on one to an individual - For project managers that are interested in taking the PMP exam
- we need project managers who achieved their certification in the past year and would be willing to offer advice on the application process, test preparation etc
Note: this would NOT take the place of formal instruction which we recommend - For people who are project or program managers and want to advance their career and improve communication & leadership skills
- we need seasoned project managers who will commit to a 6-month formal mentor program
If you would like to be a Mentor or General Advisor, we would love to hear from you. Please check out the FAQs below, and send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org for an Application Form, and send it back to us by Friday May 22nd.
If you want to sign up as a Mentee and join the 6-month formal program, check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) listed below, and if you are still interested, send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org for an Application Form, and send it back to us by Friday May 22nd.
For the Mentors and Mentees we will be holding a virtual Kickoff Meeting later in May, and will go through expectations, roles and responsibilities. Then we will match up the pairs.
If you would like more information or have any other questions, please send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
FAQs: 6-month Mentor Program
Q: Do I have to be a member of the PMI-LA Chapter to participate in the 6-month mentor program?
A: Yes, you must be a Chapter member to participate in the 6-month formal mentor program
Q: Can I join the Chapter just to participate in the mentor program?
A: Yes. You will need to be a member of PMI first and then select the Los Angeles Chapter
https://www.pmi.org/membership/join
Note: It will take 2-3 days to complete the membership process
Q: What if I am in transition (or just lost my job due to COVID-19) and cannot afford to join the Chapter?
A: PMI has a Hardship Provision for members renewing that have been in good standing for 3 years
Go to PMI https://www.pmi.org/about/contact or email Customer Care: customercare@pmi.org
Q: Is there a fee to participate in the program?
A: No, it is FREE and only available to Chapter members!
Q: What are the requirements to be a Mentor?
A: We are seeking people who are experienced project managers and willing to impart their knowledge to help a fellow Chapter member. Send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org for an Application Form, or if you would like to discuss further
Q: Is the match up with Mentor and Mentee automatic?
A: No, it will be a manual match up. Please be as descriptive as possible in filling out the forms so we can make a good match.
Q: When will the program kickoff?
A: When we have enough Mentors to run the program (minimum of 10) – at the end of May
Q: How often should the Mentor and Mentee meet up?
A: It is up to you both, but we suggest at least 1 hour per month
Q: Can we continue to meet up after the program finishes in 6 months?
A: Yes, if you both agree you can carry on meeting. We will officially close out the program after 6 months and ask for feedback (and testimonials).
If people start their pairing later, they will still have 6 months to complete the program, and then we will ask for feedback
Q: What if I don’t like the Mentor I am matched up with?
A: We hope that you will make every effort to work with your mentor. One of the challenges in a project management role is to work with, and understand, different personalities.
If you cannot make it work please send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org but understand there may not be another Mentor currently available for a match up
Q: What if my Mentor is too busy to schedule time with me (due to work or personal stuff)?
A: It is up to the Mentee to schedule meetings, hopefully you can have a 1 hour call per month.
If this is not possible send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org and we will see if there are any other mentors available
Q: What if I miss the virtual Kickoff Meeting at the end of May?
A: We can provide you with the material, and will attempt to match you up with a Mentor
Q: What if I sign up for the 6-month program, but cannot continue due to unforeseen circumstances?
A: We hope you will be able to continue as this is a virtual program, but in the event you cannot continue, please let your Mentor (or Mentee) know and send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org
Q: What if I miss the start of the program, can I join later?
A: It will depend if we have any Mentors available, otherwise you can wait until we run the next program
Q: Can I be a Mentor and a Mentee?
A: Yes, if we have enough Mentors, and you can afford the time for each role
FAQs: PMP info
Q: Do I have to be a member of the LA Chapter to participate?
A: Yes
Q: How long will this “program” last?
A: It is only intended to be one or two virtual meetings, to provide advice to someone who is interested in taking the PMP exam
Q: Have the people providing advice about PMP passed the most recent exam?
A: Yes, they should have been through the exam within the past 2 years
Q: How are they going to help me pass the PMP exam?
A: They are only there to provide guidance on what worked for them i.e. the application process, study guides, courses, practice tests etc.
Note: This is not intended to take the place of formal PMP studies. We recommend you take a class or bootcamp provided by the Chapter (or another provider). Check our website for details www.pmi-la.org
FAQs - General project management information – Ask a professional
Q: Do I have to be a member of the LA Chapter to participate?
A: No, this is just a general session for people who are interested in the project management profession or becoming a project manager
Q: How long will this “program” last?
A: We expect it to be one virtual meeting discussion with an experienced project manager
Q: If I talk to a project manager and then want to join the Mentor Program what do I need to do?
A: You need to become a member of the LA Chapter (and PMI). See the FAQs for the 6-month Mentor Program above, and send an email to Mentor@pmi-la.org to request an Application Form
