Mentoring Connection

We are looking for both mentors and mentees for the 2017 conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 19-22. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Mentoring Connection application form.

Requests are due by February 17, 2017. Please note that our ability to place mentors and mentees is limited; some applicants may be put on a waiting list. Please send questions to Rebecca Denne at [email protected] or call (317) 274-2168.

What is the mentoring CONNECTION?

NCPH’s conference mentoring connection program pairs new attendees with experienced conference-goers. The program is designed to help newcomers navigate the NCPH annual meeting.

Who can be a Conference mentor?

A mentor is a public historian who has attended the NCPH annual conference at least once before.

Who can be a Conference mentee?

A mentee is a public history student, new professional, or someone who is attending the NCPH annual conference for the first time.

What do i have to do as a conference mentor or mentee?

  1. Mentees will reach out to their assigned mentors over email before the conference for introductions. During these exchanges, mentees are encouraged to ask their mentor any questions they have about the conference.
  2. Agree on a time and place to meet in person at the conference. We suggest meeting at the First Time Attendee and Mentoring Connection Meet-Up (5:30 – 6:00 pm) on Wednesday, April 19, and then checking in at the Friday afternoon coffee break midway through the conference. Exchanging cell phone numbers before the conference can be a helpful way to ensure you can find each other during the conference rush.
  3. The mentor will provide guidance and support to the mentee both before and during the conference.
  4. A good mentor should be knowledgeable about the annual meeting, but is not expected to provide career advice, resume review, or networking opportunities to the mentee. Conference attendees interested in career development should register for the Speed Networking Session on Thursday, April 20 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or the Resume Review Workshop on Wednesday, April 19.
  5. Mentors and mentees may stay in contact after the conference, but this is not an expectation of the program.

Questions to ask your mentor

It’s a good idea to think of some questions to ask your mentor over email before the conference and for when you meet them in Indianapolis. Some useful questions might include things like:

  • What’s the difference between a session, a panel, a roundtable, a working group, and a workshop?
  • What is typical audience participation like in sessions at this conference?
  • What sessions/events are you sure to attend every year that you recommend I attend as well?
  • What is appropriate to wear to the conference?
  • Should I bring business cards with me?
  • Do you have any advice for presenting my first poster?

As a mentor, try to think about how you felt attending your first NCPH conference: What questions did you have? What did you wish you had known? What is unique about an NCPH conference that a first time attendee might benefit from knowing?

Benefits

  • Mentors help conference newcomers feel welcome, comfortable, and fully engaged in the conference and get personal satisfaction from sharing their experience and knowledge.
  • Mentees will start their first NCPH conference experience with a friendly face and receive guidance while planning for and attending the conference.
  • Participating in the mentoring program ensures everyone at the conference feels like part of the NCPH community.

Contact Rebecca Denne with additional questions at [email protected] or call (317) 274-2168.