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Q&A: External Mentoring Options for Boomers
As Baby Boomers start to leave the workforce by their own choice or maybe not, what advice would you give somebody who wants to start a mentoring program external to a company? I see the effectiveness of networking but could see the next logical step being sharing knowledge and experience. Valuable business knowledge is out there. What’s the best way to tap into it?
Jeff
Hi Jeff—
Are you looking to tap into a mentoring program or start one to benefit others?
In either case, I think the key is to think in terms of mechanisms to share knowledge and experience, as you note. If you’re looking to tap into such a network, join any professional organizations that may be relevant to your interests—professional societies, alumni organizations, community based business groups and so on, can all provide valuable contacts and put you in touch with individuals with the type of knowledge and experience you’ll need to pursue your next phase goals. Over time, some of these relationships may turn into more traditional “mentoring” relationships, but, even if they don’t, you’ll have a rich network of contacts.
If your goal is to start a mentoring program, think in terms of creating a forum or network that will attract people with shared interests.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Tammy
Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 01/15/11
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