Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Mentoring Questions?

    Posted 05-28-2020 04:57 PM
    1. Any guidelines / recommendations for frequency of contact to build a meaningful relationship in any combination of different avenues (e-mail, text, video calls)?

    2. Any guidelines for the use of e-mail, text, phonecalls (non-video avenues of communication)?

    ------------------------------
    Justin Redman Aff.M.ASCE
    Graduate Civil Engineer
    Port of Spain
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Mentoring Questions?

    Posted 05-28-2020 10:10 PM
    Justin - I think the frequency of your meetings depends on your goals and what you hope to accomplish. But in the beginning I would recommend meeting at least once a month for 2 to 3 months to establish a rapport and then decide what frequency supports your goals and needs. I have mentoring relationships where we meet quarterly and another where we meet monthly. We use Zoom for our meetings and our communication between those calls is a combination of text and email. I think the vehicle you use to communicate should be a join decision between you and your mentor everyone's situation is unique from that perspective. I wish you all the best. Marsia

    ------------------------------
    Marsia Geldert-Murphey, PE, F.ASCE
    Regional Director
    Lochmueller Group
    Glen Carbon IL
    [Phone]
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Mentoring Questions?

    Posted 06-02-2020 08:49 AM
    Hi @Justin Redman

    To expand upon @Marsia Geldert-Murphey already excellent advice​​​, mentoring really depends on the goals of what you would like to accomplish. One thing that I have learned through my past mentoring is that it is really helpful if, before the scheduled meeting, the mentee puts together a high-level agenda for the meeting. You are more than happy to stray from this agenda, but giving a general idea of what you would like to accomplish during a certain meeting really helps the mentor to be able to prepare for the meeting! 

    ASCE Orange County has some excellent resources compiled for their own mentorship program that may help you further with your mentoring relationship: http://www.asceoc.org/committees/professional_development/mentorship 

    One last resource - @Tirza Austin runs mentoring calls through the ASCE Mentor Match program​ that you can listen in on to hear about more mentoring best practices. 

    Hope this helps!

    ------------------------------
    Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Associate Engineer
    Pennoni Associates
    Philadelphia PA
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Mentoring Questions?

    Posted 07-05-2020 09:54 AM
    Hi Justin.
    In addition to advice already suggested, consider the opportunities within your ASCE local, state and national
    committees. Participation places you within a local, state, national and international body of experts.

    If public speaking is not yet as comfortable for you as you wish,
    locate the "Toastmasters" group(s) where you work.
    Stay Healthy!
    Cheers,
    Bill

    ------------------------------
    William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
    Buffalo, N.Y.

    "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Mentoring Questions?

    Posted 06-04-2020 12:08 PM
    Thank you, Marsia and Danielle for your helpful responses. Sound approaches to be considered.

    ------------------------------
    Justin Redman Aff.M.ASCE
    Graduate Civil Engineer
    Port of Spain
    ------------------------------