PMI CIC Mentoring Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some reasons professionals request a mentor?
  • Develop professional network
  • Career guidance
  • Employment opportunities
  • To learn more about a particular subject
  • To have someone around to answer questions
  • Hands-on guidance for ‘on the job’ troubleshooting
  • Transitioning into a new role or industry
What are the requirements to be in the program? 

The program is open to anyone who is currently in good standing as a PMI member (Global and local PIM-CIC Member).

Who are the mentors? 

The mentors are those Project Management professionals who are seasoned in their career and/or have a passion to help the PM community through mentoring & volunteering.

What are the expectations of mentors and mentees?

We ask for your commitment. That's it! We ask that you maintain communication with your partner for the duration of the program. We also ask that you maintain periodic communication with the Director of Mentoring and let them know how things are going. If the relationship is not working out, we need to know! We can always rematch the pair or provide additional program support for pairs in need, but we can only help if you ask!

What happens if my Mentor or Mentee and I aren't a good match?

Our goal is to provide the best possible match to each participant of the program. If either the Mentor or the Mentee feels that the pair isn’t a “good fit”, they can notify the Director of Mentoring. At that point, the Director of Mentoring will begin steps to rematch both the Mentor and the Mentee with a new partner.

As a mentor, how many hours are mentors expected to spend communicating with my mentee during the 8-month partnership?

There is no set requirement; however, in years past mentors communicated with their mentees from one to four times per month. (1-2 hours/month). *Keep in mind that the Mentee sets the pace and is responsible for working with the Mentor to schedule reoccurring meetings*

Do I have to be a subject matter expert to be a mentor?

Subject matter expertise helps, but is not required. Typically mentors have a minimum of five years’ experience as a Project Manager (current or retired) and have background and experience in various levels of management.

What kind of guidance is provided? Is there a curriculum that I need to stick to?

Every relationship is different and what each participant needs from the program may be different. As such, we don’t provide a “curriculum” or mandate the path that each pair must take. Instead, we provide the Mentor and the Mentee with a guide to help get you started. The guide contains relevant information for each participant, including possible meeting topics, how to pick meeting dates and times and advice for picking the “rules” up front. In addition, we provide ongoing communication to both Mentors and Mentees including articles that the pair may be interested in or guidance that we may come across from time to time.

What is the difference between training and mentoring?

Training is generally delivered according to a predetermined curriculum, with the trainee carrying the burden of meeting the curriculum's deliverables. Mentoring is a more customized activity, which assigns deliverables to the mentor as well as to the mentee. In addition, the role of mentor may be to serve as a 'role model,' whereas the role of a trainer is generally to deliver a specific content without having a 'partnership' with the trainee.

Will the personal and professional information I share through the Mentoring Program be kept confidential?

Yes. All program applications are required to sign a confidentiality statement at program kick-off. All participants should adhere to all applicable privacy policies and procedures instituted by their employers.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at dirmentoring@pmiofcentraliowa.org.