Mentoring

The mentoring programme is free for all members of the IoIC. The programme runs three times a year in February, June and October when we welcome applications from all areas of the profession and all levels of experience. 

Applications are reviewed by IoIC head office staff and matches are made depending on the mentee's objectives, the mentor's experience and area of expertise, location, preferences regarding contact and communication, and any other specific or relevant skills or aspirations. Matches are made within four weeks of the closing date of the mentoring round. 

Once matched, you will receive details of your respective mentor or mentee along with a guidance document from the IoIC to help you through the process and give you some ideas about how best to utilise the relationship. After that it's down to you to contact your mentee/mentor and get the ball rolling! 

We recommend that that the mentoring relationship lasts for at least 6 months in order for both mentee and mentor to fully benefit from the scheme. However, we are happy for the relationship to last for as long as is convenient for both parties.

The IoIC will contact you and your respective mentee/mentor around six weeks after you have been matched to check on your progress.

Benefits of mentoring for mentees:

• Increased self-confidence and self-awareness 
• Providing the time and space to reflect on your career and ongoing development
• Developing skills and/or competencies 
• Exposure to new/different ways of thinking 
• Contributing to your CPD 
• Learning from experienced professionals 
• Guided and supported professional development and goal setting 
• Developing a long-lasting connection and growing your personal network 
• Helping you to gain recognition for your willingness to develop.

Benefits of mentoring for mentors:

• Developing your technical and interpersonal skills 
• Allowing you to share your knowledge and experience – giving you a sense of personal accomplishment 
• Developing your leadership and management skills 
• Demonstrating commitment to the profession and its advancement 
• Building a long-lasting connection and growing your personal network 
• Exposure to new/different ways of thinking 
• Supporting your career development 
• Contributing to your CPD. 

Mentoring contributes to your CPD points for the year! To log these simply go to your ‘My CPD Area’ which can be found in your IoIC account.

How much does the mentoring programme cost?

The mentoring programme is free for all members of the IoIC. 

Can I join the programme if I am not a member? 

No, the programme is only available for members of the IoIC. If you are not yet a member and would like to join, you can find out more about membership and how to join here. 

Can I claim back expenses related to mentoring?

No. As the mentoring programme is a free member benefit, the IoIC cannot repay any expenses incurred.

How are mentees and mentors matched?

Applications are reviewed by IoIC head office staff and matches are made depending on the mentee's objective (if a specific objective is supplied); the mentor's experience and area of expertise; location and preferences regarding contact and communication. 

Do I have to provide a specific objective?

No. We understand that a lot of the time internal comms professionals are simply looking to informally connect with a fellow practitioner who can provide them with some impartial advice and guidance or who they can discuss ideas and challenges with. If mentees do have a specific objective which they'd like a mentor to support them in achieving, they will have the opportunity to provide this in their application. 

Am I guaranteed to be matched with a mentor?

Due to the number of applications recieved from mentees in comparison to applications from mentors, the IoIC cannot guarantee a match every time. If we are unable to find a match for you, the IoIC Professional Development team will provide recommendations for development based on your objective or requirements. 

How long does the mentoring programme last?

We recommend that your mentoring relationship lasts for at least 6 months in order for both mentee and mentor to fully benefit from the scheme. However, we are happy for the relationship to last for as long as is convenient for both parties.

How long does it take for me to be matched with my mentor/mentee?

You will be matched with your mentee/mentor within four weeks of the closing date for the round that you have applied for.

What happens if I miss an application window?

The IoIC is unable to make mentoring matches outside of the intake periods. Applications open in February, June and October annually, so keep an eye on our upcoming programmes! 

What happens once I am matched?

You will receive the details of your respective mentor or mentee along with a guidance document from the IoIC. After that it's down to you to contact your mentee/mentor and get the ball rolling.

What support will I be given?

Once you are matched with your mentor or mentee, you will be given a guidance document to help you through the process and give you some ideas about how best to utilise the relationship. 

What contact will the IoIC provide?

A member of the IoIC will contact you and your respective mentee/mentor around six weeks after you have been matched to check on your progress.

If you have any questions or need any support in the meantime, please email [email protected].

What do I do if I have an issue?

Any questions, queries or concerns can be directed to [email protected].