Protégé Resources
Participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program is a great way to acquire new skills and knowledge, gain experience and access new learning opportunities. A Mentor can provide career advice, help develop interpersonal and professional skills and provide an understanding of the expectations and standards within the profession. By participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program, Protégés will have the opportunity to make mistakes in a safe learning environment and develop self-confidence and professional competence. Protégés will also have the chance to conduct self-assessments to become more insightful about their personal strengths, weaknesses and working styles.
Remember that mentorship is a partnership that must meet the needs of both participants to be successful. Every Mentor is an individual who has offered to volunteer their personal time to help Protégés develop themselves. The amount of time and the type of activities that each Mentor is able and willing to contribute will vary from person to person. Before contacting a potential Mentor, be sure that you are clear on your own expectations of the program and what role(s) you expect them to undertake so that you can both come to an agreement on how your particular partnership will look.
Although the Mentorship Program provides a mechanism to support the career development of Protégés, individuals are ultimately responsible for their own learning. If you are looking for additional avenues to develop your skills and experience, you may want to consider volunteerism. The ASPB maintains a list of potential volunteer opportunities with various non-profit groups that support the ASPB principles of life long learning and scientific research. For more information, check out the Volunteer Opportunities section of the ASPB website.
Protégé Responsibilities
In a mentoring relationship, tasks may be assigned to the Protégé to facilitate or reinforce understanding of new knowledge/skills. It is important that the Protégé be responsible for the completion of these tasks to the best of his/her ability. Before agreeing to participate in the ASPB Mentorship Program, Protégés should be aware of the following responsibilities:
- Participate in the 12 month mentoring relationship, as outlined in the Mentoring Contract
- Adhere to the goals and objectives of the Contract
- Accept feedback willingly and graciously
- Work cooperatively with the Mentor and communicate in ways that promote the learning process
- Complete tasks or actions suggested or assigned by the Mentor
- Be punctual and respectful when meeting with the Mentor
- Understand and respect the confidentiality agreement that is set within the mentoring relationship.
- Conduct themselves according to the ASPB Code of Ethics at all times
Tips to Help You be a Better Protégé
We can all benefit from the skills and knowledge of others. If you are ready to commit to your own professional and personal development by participating in the ASPB Mentorship Program, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Take responsibility for your own learning
- Have a general understanding of your personal strengths and weaknesses and your professional development needs
- Be willing to initiate within the relationship
- Maintain a positive, goal-oriented attitude
- Be willing to ask for help and open to accepting feedback
- Be flexible and open to new ideas
- Recognize and respect your Mentor’s experience and knowledge
- Be open and honest with your Mentor
- Demonstrate to your Mentor that you are consistent, dependable and trustworthy
- Work around your Mentor’s schedule and suggest meeting locations that suit both of you
- Set an agenda and give your Mentor your undivided attention when you meet
- Let your Mentor take the lead whenever appropriate
- Document your Mentor’s advice and comments
- Avoid contacting your Mentor outside of agreed upon times
- Never violate the ASPB organizational code of conduct
If you have questions, contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator at mentorship@aspb.ab.ca.